Raleigh, North Carolina, September 10, 2025
News Summary
North Carolina’s state-run lottery has broken records once again, surpassing $1 billion in sales for the third consecutive year. The total sales reached an impressive $6.6 billion, which will provide significant funding for educational needs statewide. This growth is largely due to digital sales, notably Digital Instants, and increased participation in popular lottery games like Powerball and Mega Millions.
Raleigh, North Carolina – North Carolina’s state-run lottery had another record-breaking year, exceeding $1 billion for the third consecutive year and reaching a historic total of $6.6 billion in sales for the fiscal year 2025. This remarkable achievement is set to contribute over $1 billion to support educational needs across the state.
The significant rise in lottery sales is largely attributed to the success of digital sales, with nearly 40% of total sales coming from a product known as Digital Instants. North Carolina stands out as one of the few states allowing residents to purchase lottery tickets online via an app and website, further enhancing the accessibility and appeal of its lottery offerings.
In 2023, the North Carolina Lottery Commission made a pivotal decision by approving the selling of digital instant gaming games, marking a progressive step towards embracing modern gambling trends. This initiative is anticipated to have played a crucial role in boosting the state’s lottery revenue and diversifying its product offerings.
In the days leading up to this report, North Carolinians demonstrated their enthusiasm for lottery games by spending a staggering $16.8 million on Powerball tickets over the weekend. This spending spree was part of the excitement surrounding the record $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot, which was set to be drawn on September 6. Meanwhile, the Mega Millions jackpot also surged to $453 million shortly after the Powerball drawing, drawing further interest from lottery players.
The average North Carolinian spends approximately $421 a year on lottery tickets, positioning the state 12th in the nation for per capita lottery spending. The rankings show that Massachusetts leads the nation with an average spending of $915, while North Dakota trails behind with just $50 spent per person on lottery tickets.
Despite the thrill of playing the lottery, consumer finance analysts caution that engaging in lottery games is typically less financially advantageous than saving money in a savings account. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot, for instance, stand at a staggering 1 in 292 million, a statistic that underscores the difficulty of winning large prizes.
In light of increased lottery participation, state officials remind players of available resources for gambling help, emphasizing the importance of responsible gambling practices. Support and information can be found at morethanagamenc.com, a resource aimed at assisting those who may require guidance related to gambling behaviors.
The North Carolina Education Lottery has distinguished itself as unique, being the only state-run lottery in the United States that has presented increasing sales figures every year since its inception. This continuous growth trajectory not only highlights the popularity of the lottery among residents but also reflects the state’s commitment to utilizing lottery revenue for educational purposes.
The overwhelming participation in lottery games combined with favorable legislative measures has created a sustainable environment for lottery sales in North Carolina. Such financial success is vital in addressing various educational needs in the state, ensuring that funds derived from ticket sales are efficiently directed to enhance educational programs and resources.
As the state continues to embrace digital innovations in lottery sales and the appeal of larger jackpots, North Carolina appears poised for further growth in its lottery revenue in the years to come. This trajectory positions the state uniquely among its peers, potentially paving the way for continued advancements in both gaming options and educational funding.
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Additional Resources
- WRAL: North Carolina Lottery Surpasses $1B in Education Digital Sales
- USA Today: Powerball Ticket Purchase Cutoff Times
- North Carolina Lottery: Mega Millions Jackpot Grows
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lottery
- PR Newswire: Scientific Games Technology for NC Education Lottery
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