INDIANAPOLIS — State lotteries are bringing in more money than ever, but states are paying more in prize money and keeping slightly less of it themselves, according to a new U.S. Census Bureau analysis.
State lottery ticket sales nationwide nearly doubled from $52.8 billion to $104.7 billion between fiscal 2008 to 2024, the bureau found in its Annual Survey of State Government Finances. Likewise, state lottery prizes went up 118% to roughly $70.2 billion.
The boost in sales meant more revenue for states overall. Net lottery revenue grew from $20.6 billion to $34.5 billion – a 68% increase – during that time…