As Atlantic Lottery marks 50 years in the region, it says it is facing new challenges due to the rapid growth of illegal online gambling. Atlantic Lottery president and CEO Dallas McCready said the organization is “facing a level of disruption that is unprecedented” in its half-century history. “The growth of illegal online gambling has fundamentally changed the competitive landscape,” said McCready in a news release Wednesday. “These operators are drawing significant gaming dollars out of Atlantic Canada, contribute nothing to provincial revenues in our region, and are not subject to the same healthy play and consumer protection requirements that govern Atlantic Lottery.” According to Atlantic Lottery, approximately $250 million is estimated to leave the regional economy each year through illegal operators. “We are taking decisive action to compete effectively while continuing to protect players and maximize returns for the benefit of Atlantic Canadians,” said McCready. Atlantic Lottery said its net profit in 2025-26 was $492 million; by province, $164.5 million was returned to Nova Scotia, $152.8 million to Newfoundland and Labrador, $148.9 million to New Brunswick and $25.8 million to Prince Edward Island. It said money goes to support essential services like health care, education and infrastructure. While the illegal landscape is growing, Atlantic Lottery said it did increase its share of online betting and gaming activity to 35 per cent in 2025-26, up from 34 per cent the previous year.
