The softer performance was mainly linked to a quieter sports calendar.
China.- The Chinese Ministry of Finance has reported that lottery sales in the first-quarter totalled RMB1.44trn (US$211.1bn). The figure marks a 3.1 per cent decline compared with the same period in 2025.
According to the ministry, the softer performance was mainly due to a quieter sports calendar, which reduced sales of sports lottery products. Despite the decline, sports lottery products continued to account for the largest share of sales, contributing RMB955.57bn (US$140.1bn, down 1.8 per cent year-on-year). Welfare lottery sales dropped 5.6 per cent year-on-year to RMB484.03bn (US$71bn).
Across product segments, sports betting lottery products generated RMB625.14bn (US$91.7bn), down 2.8 per cent, while number-based lottery sales totalled RMB395.48bn (US$58bn), reflecting a 5.1 per cent decrease. Instant ticket sales declined 1.5 per cent to RMB329.87bn (US$48.4bn), while keno-type lottery sales fell 2.7 per cent to RMB89.08bn (US$13.1bn).
Monthly data showed a sharper slowdown in March, with sales reaching RMB544.00bn (US$79.8bn), down 6.6 per cent year-on-year. Welfare lottery sales for the month were RMB184.49bn (US$27.1bn), a 3.9 per cent decline, while sports lottery sales fell 7.9 per cent to RMB359.51bn (US$52.7bn).
The softer performance was mainly linked to a quieter sports calendar. China.- The Chinese Ministry of Finance has reported that lottery sales in the first-quarter totalled RMB1.44trn (US$211.1bn). The figure marks a 3.1 per cent decline compared with the same period in 2025. According to the ministry, the softer performance was mainly due to a…
