Minnesota Lottery Reaches $4 Billion Milestone of Delivering Funds to Programs That Positively Impact the Lives of Minnesotans

ROSEVILLE, Minn. (Oct. 30, 2024) — The Minnesota Lottery delivered a big win for Minnesotans during its latest fiscal year (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024) by reaching a milestone of $4 billion returned to the state that helps expand outdoor recreational activities, support local agriculture, restore wildlife habitats and protect water quality across the state.

In fiscal year 2024 a record payout — $196.5 million — was returned to lottery beneficiaries to protect Minnesota’s environment and natural resources and support vital state services serving each of Minnesota’s 87 counties.

“After more than 30 years in operation, the future remains bright for the Minnesota Lottery,” said Adam Prock, Minnesota Lottery Executive Director. “Thanks to the hard work of our staff, the dedication of our retail partners, and the commitment of our players, we have been able to send more than $4 billion back to the state to support projects and programs that benefit all Minnesotans.”

In fiscal year 2024 players cashed in on $476.4 million in prizes. Lottery sales reached $775.7 million, the third highest total in the lottery’s 34-year history, with scratch games taking the lead at $524.9 million. Five record-setting jackpot runs fueled Minnesota’s highest lotto game sales to date.

A higher profit margin on lotto tickets contributed to a record return of $196.5 million for Minnesota’s important beneficiaries:

The lottery’s success wouldn’t be possible without more than 3,000 hard-working retail partners located throughout Minnesota. Retailers earned $51.1 million in commissions and incentives, an average of $16,950 per business.

Other highlights of the fiscal year include the launch of the lottery’s first ever mobile convenience app which allows players to conveniently scan the back of their tickets to see if they’ve won a prize, enter 2nd Chance drawings, and create digital play slips.

Minnesota also had back-to-back Lotto America jackpot winners in fiscal year 2024: a Minnesota man claimed a $3.73 million jackpot in March and a Minnesota mom of two claimed a $3.1 million jackpot the following month in April.  Minnesota’s own Gopher 5 jackpot game had its largest winner to date – a $2,045,590 jackpot that was won in Baxter.

About the Minnesota Lottery

Playing Our Part: Since 1990, the lottery has generated more than $4.0 billion for programs that positively impact the lives of Minnesotans. More than $1.7 billion has helped preserve, restore and protect Minnesota’s environment through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Game and Fish Fund and the Natural Resources Fund. Another $2.3 billion has helped fund state programs, including education, public safety and health and human services. Lottery dollars also support programs to help prevent and treat problem gambling.

SOURCE: Minnesota Lottery.