Over $130 Million Turned Over to Non-Profit Organizations by the Société des bingos du Québec

MONTREAL, June 19, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Société des bingos du Québec (SBQ), a subsidiary of Loto-Québec, is proud to announce that it has topped the $130 million mark in funds turned over to non-profit organizations (NPOs) who chose bingo as a source of funding since the Corporation began business operations in 1997. The SBQ contributes to the well-being of the community through nearly 1,000 beneficiary NPOs.

Indeed, the SBQ turns over all its profits to NPOs who carry out charitable works in Québec communities. Over fiscal year 2011-2012, the SBQ was able to give NPOs over $5.5 million, of which $120,000 were handed over to organizations that were orphaned following the closing of their local bingo hall. More importantly still, the Corporation was able to renew its offerings and satisfy a new clientele thanks to the Kinzo game, thereby offsetting the decline in bingo hall attendance and bringing in 8.4% more in total revenues.

The Kinzo game is played in halls that are both loungy and exciting, and where drinks and light meals are served at the tables. The Kinzo network recently celebrated its first anniversary and currently operates eight halls (in Joliette, Laval, Longueuil, Montréal, Québec City, Repentigny, Saint-Eustache and Vaudreuil-Dorion), while new halls will open in Granby and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu on June 20 and July 4, 2012, respectively.

The Kinzo game consists in an electronic draw that takes place simultaneously in all the halls. Its sustained activity and amazing sound effects make it one of the most exciting games around. To participate, players purchase a $2 ticket on which 15 numbers are distributed over 3 lines. The first player to tick off five numbers on the same line and press the button in front of him wins the first game. The draw continues with the 15/15 game where players may win a jackpot or super jackpot that can reach $100,000! For more information on the game and locations of Kinzo halls in Québec, visit our Internet site at kinzo.ca.

About Loto-Québec and the SBQ
Loto-Québec's mission is to responsibly manage games of chance in a controlled and measured fashion, in the interest of all Quebecers. The SBQ is a subsidiary of Loto-Québec whose mission is to operate bingo network games and Kinzo for the benefit of NPOs that hold a bingo licence.

Marie-Claude Rivet
Assistant Director - Media and Public Relations, Loto-Québec
514-499-5079
[email protected]