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Virginia Lottery breaks $4B annual sales mark, generates $867M for public schools

Chris Graham

virginia lottery The Virginia Lottery just completed the best year in its 35-year history, with profits earmarked for public education for fiscal year 2023 coming to $867 million.

The profits come on record-breaking sales for Virginia Lottery games that exceeded the $4 billion mark for the first time, totaling a record-breaking $4.6 billion.

“The Lottery’s business is all about games and excitement, but we also support an important mission: generating funds for our K-12 public education,” said Lottery Executive Director Kelly T. Gee. “The unprecedented success we saw in fiscal year 2023 is positive news for all Virginians, regardless of whether they choose to play Lottery games.”

The busy fiscal year benefited from three multi-state Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot runs each topping $1 billion and sales from instant games that topped $2 billion.

Inside the Numbers

  • Total sales: $4.6 billion
  • Profit for K-12 education: $867 million
  • Prizes won by players: $3.4 billion
  • Commissions earned by retailers: $137 million
  • Operating expenses: $195 million
  • Unclaimed prizes to the Literary Fund:  $12.6 million
  • Debt set-off collected: $8 million
  • Largest Virginia prize won during year: $156.7 million Powerball jackpot

For a complete list of Lottery funds distributed to Virginia school districts, visit the Virginia Lottery’s Giving Back page. For general information or to play games online, visit the Virginia Lottery’s website or download the Lottery’s appHere you can find more details about sports betting and casinos. Connect with the Lottery on FacebookTwitterInstagram, or YouTube.

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to Substack or his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].

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