Following a year of COVID-19 shutdowns, 2021-22 was a banner year for gaming and cannabis revenue, according to Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries’ annual report made public Thursday.
The Crown corporation made $1.41 billion this past year, a $206 million or 17 per cent increase over the previous year when total revenue fell to $1.21 billion as pandemic-related closures restricted Manitobans’ access to casinos, bars and VLT lounges.
In 2019-20, prior to the global pandemic declared in March 2020, MLL reported revenue of $1.46 billion.
The corporation that generates revenue for the province by supplying cannabis, liquor and a host of gambling operations added $597.8 million to the provincial coffers.