Ticket Lottery Leads Increase in Gaming Revenue

Higher lottery jackpots, including the first $64 million jackpot won in Canada, contributed to a $23 million increase in ticket lottery gaming revenue this year.

More Lotto Max MaxMillions and Lotto 6-49 jackpots and an increase in Twist and Tag purchases helped deliver $141.4 million to the province in 2015-16.

The figures are provided in the Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation (NSPLCC) financial statements released today, July 21.

"One hundred per cent of gaming profit goes back to the community to support important government programs like health care, roads and education as well as activities like sport and culture that are near and dear to Nova Scotians," said the corporation's CEO Bob MacKinnon. "We are fortunate to be at the helm of Nova Scotia's gaming industry, offering entertainment that benefits communities across the province."

Video lottery revenue was also up by $19 million, an increase Mr. MacKinnon said was due to some players returning to video lottery as a result of removal of the My-Play System. The replacement of obsolete terminals was completed which also resulted in increased player interest and participation.

Mr. MacKinnon said the corporation focuses on running a responsible and accountable industry where profits go back to Nova Scotia communities.

"We are proud Nova Scotians, too, and it's as important to us, as it is to our neighbours, that social responsibility remain at the forefront of everything we do," he said. "We work closely with our operators, Atlantic Lottery Corporation and Casino Nova Scotia, to strengthen our connection to the charitable sector and support the things Nova Scotians have said are important to them."

NSPLCC's flagship program Support4Sport remains the largest single source of sport funding in the province. Nova Scotians have raised more than $4.1 million this year to support athletes of all abilities. An additional $2.3 million was raised for the Support4Culture program for Nova Scotia arts, culture and heritage and $6.4 million was invested in responsible gambling programs, education and treatment.

With a mandate to deliver 100 per cent of profits from regulated gaming to help support important government programs and services, the NSPLCC and its operators are key contributors to the Nova Scotia economy. Nova Scotia's responsible gaming industry generates more than 500 direct jobs. It has a network of 1,400 ticket and video lottery retailers who collectively earned $38.6 million in commissions.

NSPLCC's 2015-16 financial statements are available on its website at www.gamingns.ca.