September 10, 2025

North Carolina Lottery Surpasses $1 Billion in Sales

Raleigh, North Carolina, September 10, 2025

News Summary

The North Carolina state-run lottery has achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing $1 billion in sales for the third consecutive time. The lottery generated an impressive $6.6 billion in revenue for the fiscal year, becoming a crucial source of funding for education across the state. The successful introduction of digital instant games has significantly boosted sales, making North Carolina’s lottery a pioneer among state lotteries, with digital sales now accounting for nearly 40% of total sales. The popularity of lottery games continues to grow, with residents actively participating in major jackpots.

Raleigh, North Carolina — The North Carolina state-run lottery has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $1 billion in sales for the third consecutive year. The record-breaking total for the fiscal year 2025 reached an impressive $6.6 billion, reinforcing its position as a significant funding source for educational needs throughout the state.

For the upcoming fiscal year, over $1 billion of this revenue will be allocated towards supporting education initiatives, including public schools and college scholarships. This consistent growth marks the North Carolina Education Lottery as the only state lottery in the nation that has seen annual sales increases since it began operations.

A key driver of this growth has been the rise in digital sales, which now contribute nearly 40% of all lottery sales. The introduction of digital instant games—approved by the state’s lottery commission in 2023—has transformed the way players engage with lottery offerings. North Carolina is among a select few states that provide the option for players to purchase lottery tickets online through an app and website, greatly enhancing accessibility for residents.

Just days prior to this report, North Carolinians showed their enthusiasm for lottery games by spending $16.8 million on Powerball tickets, with hopes aimed at the record $1.8 billion jackpot. This substantial ticket purchase demonstrates the ongoing popularity of lottery games in the state, coinciding with a Mega Millions jackpot that reached $453 million shortly thereafter. The high jackpots attract widespread participation as players across the country vie for substantial winnings, with the Powerball drawing set for September 6.

An average resident of North Carolina spends about $421 annually on lottery tickets, placing the state 12th in the nation for per capita spending on lotteries. In contrast, Massachusetts leads with an average of $915 spent per person, while North Dakota has the lowest average at $50.

While many view the lottery as a form of entertainment, financial experts caution that playing the lottery may result in lower financial benefits compared to saving money in a traditional savings account. Community members interested in gambling assistance can find resources through morethanagamenc.com. This highlights the importance of responsible gaming as participation increases.

As the sales figures suggest, North Carolina’s lottery remains a vital aspect of the state’s educational funding, with its unique approach to digital sales positioning it for future growth. With increasing public interest, the lottery is expected to continue its trend of annual sales growth, while also supporting educational initiatives with much-needed funding.

The continued success of the North Carolina Lottery is of particular note as it emphasizes the role of state-run lotteries in regional funding structures, demonstrating both the potential benefits and challenges posed by such revenue-generating activities.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

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