Where the Money Goes
For more than 25 years, Lottery customers have purchased tickets in the name of fun—in hopes of realizing their wildest dreams. All the while, their enjoyment has benefited Washingtonians in a variety of ways.
- $2.8 billion allocated to state programs
- $5.6 billion in prizes paid to Lottery winners
- $579.7 million in retailer commissions paid to approximately 4,000 businesses selling Lottery products
At the direction of the 2010 Legislature which passed Senate Bill 6409, Lottery dollars for education will now flow into a new education pathways account to help fund higher education programs. Beginning July 2010, more than $100 million annually in Lottery proceeds will be dedicated to the Opportunity Pathways Account to support programs such as State Need Grant, State Work Study awards, and the Washington Scholars and the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE). Funds from the account may also be used to support early learning programs.
Lottery dollars that have been previously dedicated to support K-12 education construction projects will continue to receive funding from other sources. Washington Lottery proceeds continue to help pay down the public debt on Safeco Field, Qwest Field and Event Center, support problem gambling prevention and awareness, economic development and the General Fund.
Washington’s Lottery generated more than $487 million in revenue during fiscal year 2009 and listed below is how the net proceeds were distributed. For more detailed information, check out our Annual Reports.
BOOSTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY
Last year (FY 09) Washington’s Lottery validated more than 31 million winning tickets, paying more than $301 million to players in prizes. Since its inception, the Lottery has made more than 610 millionaires.
OVER $30 MILLION IN RETAILER COMMISSIONS
Businesses also benefit from Lottery sales. In Fiscal Year 2009, Lottery retailers earned more than $30 million in commissions from ticket sales. They consistently affirm that Lottery game sales drive customers to their stores and increase overall sales.
The owners of One Stop Deli and Grocery in Everett say Lottery products have been good for business. “The Lottery brings regular business into our store. Over the years, we’ve developed relationships with customers who are loyal Lottery players—it’s fun to share in their excitement after a win, no matter how big or small.”
Currently, approximately 4,000 businesses contribute to the state’s economic vitality as Lottery retailers.
BALANCING PROFITABILITY WITH RESPONSIBILITY
In Fiscal Year 2009, Washington’s Lottery continued to be an advocate for responsible gaming by providing support for initiatives to address problem gambling. Lottery support today continues through legislation. In addition, Washington’s Lottery continues to work with the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling to provide responsible gaming messages.
IT'S ALL IN THE NUMBERS
Get Annual Reports—Washington's Lottery Annual Reports