Washington Lottery surpasses $1 billion in sales for first time in history
With just 30 hours to go in Washington’s fiscal year, the state’s lottery surpassed $1 billion in sales for the first time.
This year also marks its the lottery’s 40th anniversary. The record-setting funds mean the lottery will be able to contribute more than ever toward its primary beneficiaries.
“Our mission is simple: generate sales that grow contributions to our beneficiaries, so being able to hit records on both fronts is truly incredible,” Joshua Johnston, Washington Lottery’s acting director, said in a news release.
The lottery’s primary beneficiary is the Washington Opportunity Pathways Account, which funds early childhood education, higher education grants, charter schools and assorted education programs across the state. Money from the lottery also goes toward state economic development, natural resources and combating problem gambling.
Exact numbers will not be released until auditing is completed. The previous sales record for the lottery was set in 2021, at $953.4 million. That year, $229 million went to its beneficiary accounts.
EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this story had the acting Washington Lottery director’s name wrong.
This story was originally published July 12, 2023 at 1:04 PM.
