Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation and its partners achieved remarkable results in fiscal year 2023-24. Atlantic Lottery Corporation distributed CA$487 million to the four Atlantic provinces. Nova Scotia received CA$161.7 million from this distribution. The corporation’s gross revenue reached CA$872 million, which exceeded last year’s performance by CA$28 million.
This exceptional performance coincides with a leadership change at Atlantic Lottery Corporation. Dallas McCready stepped into the CEO role after serving as Chief Strategy Officer since 2022. The company selected him from a pool of more than 120 applicants through an international search. McCready’s 20 years of experience in the gaming industry and public sector makes him a vital addition. His expertise comes at a perfect time as digital breakthroughs drive growth. This fact reflects in the 17% increase in iLottery gross gaming revenue compared to the previous fiscal year.
Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation Welcomes New Leadership
The Atlantic Lottery Corporation’s board of directors has appointed Dallas McCready as their new President and Chief Executive Officer after an extensive international search. Management and human resources consultancy Royer Thompson led a complete evaluation of more than 120 candidates.
McCready steps into this role with deep expertise as Atlantic Lottery’s Chief Strategy Officer since 2022. His career spans over two decades in the gaming industry and public sector. He previously held positions as Vice-President at Inversa Systems and Deputy Minister with the Government of New Brunswick.
The board chair Sean O’Connor emphasized McCready’s unique combination of skills and experience as vital factors behind this appointment. The selection of an internal candidate from the executive team shows the organization’s strong leadership depth.
McCready takes over from Patrick Daigle, who plans to retire in 2025 after serving Atlantic Lottery for more than 27 years. As Chief Strategy Officer, McCready developed the organization’s five-year strategic plan. The corporation achieved most important financial results and delivered CA$678.57 million to the four Atlantic provinces. Nova Scotia received CA$225.31 million in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
McCready’s Digital Innovation Vision
Atlantic Lottery Corporation has achieved remarkable progress in the digital world under McCready’s leadership. The company’s iLottery gross gaming revenue grew by 17% during Nova Scotia’s first full year of online operations. On top of that, its online gambling operations have captured 22% of all online betting and gaming activity in the Atlantic region.
The company strengthened its digital capabilities through a five-year partnership with International Game Technology (IGT) to implement cloud-based gaming solutions. IGT will provide at least 16 digital instant games every year and deploy its advanced remote game server.
Atlantic Lottery’s digital strategy focuses on expanding the alc.ca platform, which has shown exceptional growth. The corporation enhanced its technological foundation by signing a CAD 174.17 million seven-year IT managed services contract with CGI Group. This cooperative effort includes data center management and application support, with about 80 Atlantic Lottery IT professionals joining CGI’s regional team.
The company wants to modernize the gaming experience through digital transformation. Digital revenue now makes up 77% of all sports betting sales under the new strategy. McCready’s vision puts technology first while ensuring responsible gaming practices, helping Atlantic Lottery stay competitive in the digital world.
Strategic Gaming Industry Evolution
Atlantic Lottery’s development strategy focuses on improving healthy play initiatives. The corporation exceeded its targeted use of discretionary healthy play tools by nearly 60% in 2023-24. In fact, they launched several new programs to boost adoption of responsible gambling tools while facing major market challenges from unregulated sites.
The gaming industry faces tough competition. Almost CAD 278.67 million leaves the Atlantic region each year to benefit operators outside Atlantic Canada. In spite of that, Atlantic Lottery stands out through unique features like the PlayWise Rating program that helps players understand their gaming behavior.
The corporation’s key initiatives include:
- Expanded PlayWise Rating program with improved features
- New traditional and digital marketing materials for gambling literacy
- Proactive communication system for high-risk behavior management
- Integration of healthy play elements across all product lines
Atlantic Lottery has deepened its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. They created five strategic focus areas: Climate, Healthy Play, Community Impact, IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility), and Data Security and Privacy. These initiatives help local communities while ensuring strict regulatory compliance.
Their purpose-driven approach has created substantial economic benefits. They returned CAD 225.31 million to Nova Scotia, CAD 210.68 million to New Brunswick, CAD 205.24 million to Newfoundland and Labrador, and CAD 37.34 million to PEI. This distribution of funds shows Atlantic Lottery’s vital role in supporting public services across the region.
Conclusion
Dallas McCready’s appointment represents an important milestone for Atlantic Lottery Corporation. The organization has achieved remarkable financial results and digital growth. Atlantic Lottery’s CA$487 million distribution to Atlantic provinces definitely shows its essential economic role in the region.
McCready brings two decades of gaming industry expertise and a proven track record as Chief Strategy Officer. This combination sets Atlantic Lottery up for continued success. The corporation’s digital transformation has yielded strong results with a 17% increase in iLottery revenue. Its online betting activities now command a 22% market share.
Atlantic Lottery balances innovation with responsible gaming practices. The PlayWise Rating program and improved healthy play initiatives reflect this approach. The organization focuses on Climate, Healthy Play, Community Impact, IDEA, and Data Security to build sustainable growth.
Atlantic Lottery has returned CA$161.7 million to Nova Scotia among distributions to other Atlantic provinces. This proves its value as a major contributor to public services. McCready’s leadership will build on these achievements as the organization adapts to the digital world. Atlantic Lottery continues to be a trusted gaming provider in Atlantic Canada.
