Loto-Québec casinos temporarily close

In view of the increase in Covid-related cases, the Canadian government has decided to close public establishments in mid-November. These new restrictions concern schools, gyms, cinemas, bars and casinos. This news is a cold shower for the Loto-Québec company, which was confident and happy with the results of the last quarter.

An unpredictable situation 🦠

2,300 employees had been dismissed in the fall of 2020 and Loto-Québec is afraid of having to relive this ordeal because of the new confinement. In order to avoid too many temporary layoffs, part of the staff has been transferred to customer support.

Before the state announcement, the company was working on a plan that aimed to reduce visits by 50 % to minimize the spread of Covid-19 in their establishments. The holiday season is usually the best time for business.

Loto-Québec is impacted at the level of the closure of casinos and gaming lounges, but also at the level of the activities of bingo , video lottery and kinzo present in bars. Loto-Québec's project is therefore to review its online gaming platform in order to attract more players on this side and also to offer its products to merchants.

Promising figures 📈

In Canada, the fiscal year begins in April. From April to December the company recorded a profit of 584 million CAD , which already exceeds the previous year's figures of 458 million CAD . The lower amount of the previous year is explained by the months of confinement.

During its 2nd quarter of 2021-2023, profits already amounted to 388 million CAD that is 58% more than the previous year.

The Loto-Direct company 🏢

Loto-Direct is a company managed by the Quebec state and is similarly named "The Quebec lottery society" . It was founded in 1969 and has been managing the casino sector in the province of Quebec and its 4 land-based casinos .

Before the health crisis, more than 5,800 people were employed by the company. It is founded of different subsidiaries which each have their purpose :

Subsidiary	Role
🟡 The Quebec Casino Society	It exploits the casinos, catering and accommodation services.
🟡 The Société des établissements de jeux du Québec	She takes care of the management and marketing bingo, kinzo and other products.
🟡 Casiloc inc.	He is in charge of construction projects whether it is the acquisition of a building or the purchase of equipment.
🟡 Lotim inc.	Is the head office from Lotto-Quebec
🟡 Nter Technologies	She takes care of the computer systems of the company.