Online gaming revenues in Manitoba rose by $51 million in the 2020-21 fiscal year amid closures and industry shifts accelerated by the COVID-19.

According to Global News, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL)’s end-of-year report found that iGaming in the province boomed while casino and VLT revenue suffered a significant drop-off.

According to the MBLL report, casino revenues plummeted more than 85 per cent compared to the previous year, a financial drop of more than $195 million drop. Casinos across the province were forced closed for a total of 282 days between March of 2020 and 2021.

VLTs also took a big hit, with a nearly $217 million fall in revenue. The VLT network was shut down for 195 days during the year.

Manitoba’s casinos were only able to reopen from July 17 at 50 per cent capacity for fully vaccinated visitors. That date also saw VLTs ableto operate again in bars and restaurants.

Casinos in the provincial capital of Winnipeg had to wait another nine days, until July 28, before they were allowed to open their doors again.