MBLL: Liquor and Cannabis Sales Rise, While Casinos and VLTs Take a Big Hit During Pandemic – Winnipeg | The Canadian News

We are taking a closer look at the impact the pandemic has had on Manitoba’s casinos and VLTs.

According to the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries annual report, casino revenue for fiscal 2020/21 fell more than 85% compared to the prior year. That’s more than a $ 195 million drop.

Casinos were closed a total of 282 days between March 2020 and 2021.

VLTs were also hit hard, with a revenue drop of nearly $ 217 million. The VLT network was closed 195 days during the year.

But the casinos and the closure of VLT led to an increase in online gaming, which had a rise of $ 51 million.

READ MORE: More Manitobans Buy Alcohol During Pandemic

And sales of cannabis and spirits in Manitoba remained strong during the pandemic.

According to the report, cannabis sales for the year were up nearly $ 29 million compared to the previous year. MBLL says that much of that is due to the opening of 42 new stores in the province.

Liquor sales increased by more than $ 85 million during the year, much of the increase occurred at Liquor Marts and the home delivery option.

Both liquor and cannabis stores are considered essential and remained open during widespread provincial closures.