Where the Money Goes

The Lottery is so much more than jackpots and making millionaires. It’s about helping to feed a nutritious meal to a young student, or providing scholarships to a high school student. It’s about improving the quality of life for disabled veterans and developmentally disabled individuals. As one of the most cost-efficient lotteries in the United States, the New Jersey Lottery spends approximately
one percent of its revenues to operate and promote its business. As the State’s fourth largest revenue producer, the Lottery raised over $2.4 billion in sales for fiscal year 2006, and was able to contribute more than $844 million to the State to help fund education and institutions, making everyone in the Garden State a winner.

Since its inception 35 years ago, the Lottery has dedicated over $15.6 billion to programs that benefit
millions of New Jersey residents. Educational opportunity programs, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the School Nutrition Program, and the Marie Katzenbach School for the Deaf are just a few of the organizations and programs whose constituencies benefit from Lottery proceeds.

The New Jersey Lottery also plays a key role in supporting small businesses throughout the State. Over 6,100 businesses serve as Lottery retailers and act as a direct link between the Lottery and its
players. Retailers earn five percent of their Lottery ticket sales in the form of commissions. Last fiscal year, the Lottery returned over $135.5 million in commissions to support chain stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores and small businesses throughout the State.