Lottery sales and prizes in Pennsylvania hit record amounts

The Pennsylvania Lottery had a banner year last year. According to its most recent report for the 2017-18 fiscal year, the lottery sold more than $4.2 billion in games and paid out over $2.7 billion in prizes. The result was $1 billion in revenue generated for the state’s senior benefit plans.

The billion-dollar year set new records across the board – amount sold, amount paid out and revenue earned. It is also the seventh year in which the lottery has been able to see $1 billion go to the state’s senior citizens. Drew Svitko, the Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director, said, “We’re proud that this was the seventh consecutive year in which we exceeded $1 billion in proceeds to benefit older adults. I’m grateful for the support of our players, business partners and the entire Lottery team for making this record year possible.”

According to a report by the Pennsylvania Lottery, “traditional” game sales took in over $4.2 billion, a $199.5 million increase over last year’s amount. It also broke the previous sales record, established in the 2015-16 fiscal year, of $4.13 billion.

Lucky winners received a total of over $2.7 billion, $145.5 million more than winners took home last year. 67 players won at least $1 million and $0.65 of each sales dollar was returned to winners.