Atlantic Lotto posts record profits in 2015-16

The Atlantic Lottery Corporation's annual report, released Tuesday, shows record profits for last year.

Profits were up 14.5 per cent. About two thirds of the increased revenue came from increased ticket sales.

"Without question, we also benefited significantly from a stroke of luck that produced very strong jackpots for our national games," said Atlantic Lotto president and CEO Brent Scrimshaw in a news release.

The net profit, which will be distributed to the four Atlantic Provinces, was $431.6 million, up from $376.9 million in 2014-15.

The profits will be split up amongst the provinces this way.

• Newfoundland and Labrador: $148.5 million
• New Brunswick: $132.2 million
• Nova Scotia: $133 million
• Prince Edward Island: $17.9 million

Sales up across the board

Ticket sales, which make up the largest revenue stream for ALC, were up 12 per cent.

Video lottery terminals also had a very good year for ALC, with sales up 10.1 per cent.

Entertainment centre revenue was up 4.2 per cent.

The total revenue of $1.2 billion for ALC is about $500 for every Atlantic Canadian.

ALC noted for every dollar it earns in revenue, about 36 cents goes back to the governments of the four Atlantic provinces, and 34 cents is returned in prizes. The rest goes to operating expenses and taxes.

Atlantic Lotto's year by the numbers

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