North Carolina, September 10, 2025

News Summary

The North Carolina Lottery has reached a new milestone by generating over $1 billion in revenue for the third consecutive year. This achievement reflects the lottery’s record sales total of $6.6 billion for the fiscal year, with more than $1 billion dedicated to supporting educational needs in the state. The growth is driven by digital sales, notably through the lottery’s app and website, appealing to modern consumers. Key statistics indicate that North Carolinians are among the highest in per capita lottery spending in the United States.

North Carolina Lottery Surpasses $1 Billion for Third Consecutive Year

North Carolina’s state-run lottery has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $1 billion in revenue for the third year in a row, marking a record sales total of $6.6 billion for the fiscal year 2025. This achievement stands out as the North Carolina Education Lottery continues to be the only state-run lottery in the United States that has consistently increased sales every single year since its inception.

According to the latest data, over $1 billion from this year’s lottery revenues will be allocated to support essential educational needs within the state. This funding plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of education across North Carolina.

The remarkable growth in lottery sales is partly attributed to the rise in digital sales, with nearly 40% of the total purchases coming from a product referred to as Digital Instants. North Carolina is among a select few states that enable players to purchase lottery tickets through an app and a dedicated website, which likely contributed to the recent surge in revenue.

In 2023, the North Carolina lottery commission made a pivotal decision by approving the sale of digital instant gaming, further catering to the modern preferences of consumers. This shift to digital platforms has evidently resonated with players, as highlighted by immense Powerball ticket sales. Just before the report, North Carolinians spent $16.8 million on Powerball tickets in a single weekend, driven by the allure of a record $1.8 billion jackpot— the largest in U.S. history.

In addition to Powerball, the Mega Millions jackpot also emerged as a lucrative opportunity, soaring to $453 million shortly after the Powerball drawing. On average, residents of North Carolina spend $421 annually on lottery tickets, placing the state 12th in the nation for per capita lottery spending. Comparatively, Massachusetts tops the leaderboard at $915 per person, while North Dakota records the lowest at $50.

Consumer finance analysts have cautioned that engaging in lottery games may not yield the best financial outcomes compared to traditional savings methods. For anyone seeking assistance regarding gambling issues, resources can be found at the website morethanagamenc.com.

The longing for fortune continues to gather immense participation, especially as national Powerball players eye the staggering odds of 1 in 292 million while vying for the record-breaking jackpot. The U.S. population stands at approximately 342 million, underscoring the vast competition amidst players.

Key Lottery Statistics

• Total Sales (FY 2025): $6.6 billion
• Allocation for Education: Over $1 billion
• Digital Sales Contribution: Nearly 40%
• Powerball Jackpot: $1.8 billion
• Mega Millions Jackpot: $453 million
• Average Spending per Person: $421
• State Ranking for Spending: 12th in the U.S.

Background Context

The North Carolina Education Lottery was established with the goal of supporting public education funding. Since then, it has evolved into a frontrunner among state-run lotteries, enjoying continuous growth and adaptation to modern consumer behavior, particularly in the realm of digital sales.

The rise of digital lottery games coincides with a nationwide trend toward online gambling and gaming, as states look for innovative ways to engage with players and maximize revenue. As digital platforms proliferate, it remains to be seen how this will affect lottery participation in a state known for its progressive lottery model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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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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