2024 Press Releases

Join the Celebration: Lottery Week Starts July 15!

Dover, DE — The Delaware Lottery is joining lotteries across North America in celebrating the sixth annual Lottery Week, beginning July 15.

From funding crucial public programs to fostering economic growth and supporting local initiatives, lotteries play a vital role in enriching the lives of millions. Lottery Week recognizes the collective contributions of lotteries throughout the United States and Canada to the communities they serve.

On average, about 95% of the revenue generated from traditional U.S. lottery games goes directly back into the economy through prizes, retailer commissions, and transfers to public beneficiaries. While individual jurisdictions vary, across the industry we estimate that lotteries return an average of 64% in prizes to players, 25% to public beneficiaries and 6.2% to retailer commissions. The remainder supports lottery operations, providing direct and indirect employment and other benefits.

Through their contributions, lotteries support a diverse array of programs, ranging from education and healthcare to environmental conservation and infrastructure development. These funds help improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the nation, providing essential services and resources where they are needed most.

In fiscal year 2023, U.S. lotteries generated sales of over $113.3 billion, resulting in more than $30.3 billion for their beneficiaries. But there’s more, beyond the numbers. In addition to their financial impact, lotteries actively engage with local communities through various initiatives and partnerships. From hosting charitable events such as food drives and community cleanups to collaborating with responsible gambling organizations to promote safe play, lotteries demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and community welfare.

Moreover, lotteries provide an entertaining and exciting form of entertainment for millions of players nationwide, offering the chance to win life-changing prizes while supporting important causes.

The Delaware Lottery contributes its profits to the State General Fund. Since 1975, $6.0 billion has been transferred to the General Fund from Lottery proceeds. In fiscal year 2023, the Lottery’s contribution was $242.3 Million. The Delaware Lottery remains the 5th largest source of revenue for the state of Delaware.

“Lottery Week serves as a platform to showcase these contributions and acknowledge the significant role lotteries play in their respective jurisdictions,” said David Gale, Executive Director of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries. “As we celebrate the positive impact of lotteries in the United States, we also recognize the dedication and hard work of lottery employees and retailers, and we thank our players for their part in making a difference in the lives of others.”

“Lottery Week is a wonderful opportunity for us to highlight the positive impact that our games have on the community,” said Helene Keeley, Director of the Delaware Lottery. “We are proud of our contributions to the state and are committed to continuing our support for essential programs and services that benefit all Delaware residents.”

Lottery Week evolved from an idea implemented by the Massachusetts Lottery in 2018. Declaring July 17, 2018 as the official National Lottery Day, the Massachusetts Lottery offered players and retailers a special day of exciting lottery promotions, celebrating the provision of billions of dollars in local aid provided since the state’s Lottery was created in 1972.

About POWERBALL^®
POWERBALL^® is a multi-state drawing game with jackpots starting at $20 million. Other cash prizes range from $4 to $1 million. POWERBALL^® costs $2 per game. Players can add the Power Play^® option to multiply non-jackpot prizes for an additional $1. The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.8.

About the Delaware Lottery:
Since the start of operations in 1975, the Delaware Lottery has contributed $6.0 billion to the state’s General Fund to help finance needed state services that benefit everyone in Delaware. The Lottery offers a variety of games: POWERBALL^®, MEGA MILLIONS^®, LOTTO AMERICA^®, MULTI-WIN LOTTO, LUCKY FOR LIFE^®, PLAY 3, PLAY 4, Keno^®, Sports Lottery and Instant Games, iGaming, Video Lottery and Table Games. Delaware Lottery game and promotional details are available at delottery.com, at licensed locations, and from the Lottery’s office in Dover.

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