A prediction that last summer's World Outgames in Montreal would be profitable did not come true, leaving the games with a $5.3 million deficit, the Quebec government says.

Organizers of the games for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered athletes had promised the event would generate tourism dollars and profits — and not leave the city and taxpayers with a deficit.

Some 12,000 athletes flocked to Montreal at the end of July to take part in a series of sporting and cultural events, but spectators were few and far between. At the end of the 11-day event, organizers announced a $200,000 surplus.

However, the Quebec government hired an auditor to look over the books in September and a different set of numbers emerged.

Municipal Affairs Minister Nathalie Normandeau said a $5.3 million deficit was racked up despite the fact the provincial government gave the Outgames more than $3 million.

Event did make tourism dollars: Normandeau

With Montreal's reputation at state, Quebec even stepped in with $1.4 million, one week before the games began, she said.

Outgames organizers also owe money to their suppliers.

Normandeau said she's disappointed and wonders what went wrong. 

However, she doesn't regret lending money to the event, saying it did generate millions of tourism dollars.