Published: March 26, 2021

Michigan Lottery raised record $1.17B for state School Aid Fund in 2020

LANSING, MI -- For the sixth consecutive year the Michigan Lottery has contributed a record total to the state’s School Aid Fund. Earlier this week the Lottery announced it raised more than $1.179 billion for Michigan schools in fiscal year 2020, an increase of more than $100 million over the 2019 contribution. The return also marks the second year in a row that the Lottery raised more than $1 billion for the fund.

“We continue to find ways to make historic investments in our classrooms in conjunction with the bipartisan budget that I signed last year to make the largest investment in K-12 education in the history of our state without raising taxes,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer in a press release. “The Michigan Lottery’s $1.179 billion contribution in education will add to this record investment to help our students, our teachers, and our communities thrive.

“For six years in a row, the Michigan Lottery has set records, and I am grateful to the players, retailers, vendors, and state agencies who make this investment in our kids and their future possible.”

Here is a look at the five previous contributions made to School Aid Fund:

•    FY19: $1.070 billion

•    FY18:  $941.28 million

•    FY17:  $924.11 million

•    FY16:  $888.91 million

•    FY15:  $795.50 million

The Lottery has seen a steady increase in sales in recent years which can be attributed partially to more awareness of games and an increased use of the Lottery’s online platform. In fiscal year 2020, the Lottery reported increased use of the online site of 88% compared to a 23% increase in 2019.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic explains a portion of the increase in online sales, but the state has also unveiled features that attract players online such as the ability to subscribe for your tickets so you never miss a drawing and expanded instant game offerings online.

The Lottery has contributed more than $24.5 billion to the fund since 1972 with roughly $5.8 billion of that money coming in the last six years. For every dollar spent on a ticket, the lottery breaks down that money in the following approximations:

•    61 cents went to players as prizes

•    28 cents went to the School Aid Fund to support public education

•    9 cents went to commissions for retailers and vendors

•    2 cents funded the Lottery’s operations and administrative costs

The Lottery reported more than $4.2 billion in sales in 2020 which led to more than $2.5 billion in prizes being awarded to players. Retailers who sold winning tickets also earned an estimated $307 million in commissions.

“Each Lottery purchase in Michigan helps raise critical funding for our schools,” said Lottery Commissioner Brian O. Neill. “The last six record-setting years would not be possible without the support of our players and the dedicated work of our retailers, vendors, and teams at both Lottery and supporting state agencies.”

For the latest on Michigan Lottery, check out the official Michigan Lottery site, which also offers more information on instant tickets, raffles and other lottery games.

The last players from Michigan to win a Mega Millions or Powerball jackpot is the Wolverine FLL lottery club which claimed a $1.05 billion jackpot in March. With their winnings, the group plans to give back to the community.

And while they were lucky winners, it’s smart for players to check their tickets immediately as a winner worth $1 million sold in Hartland in 2019 went unclaimed. The ticket was purchased at the Speedway in Hartland, but the winner never came forward to claim the prize. The money instead went to the state’s School Aid Fund.

If you’d like to be the next player from Michigan to win a huge lottery prize, take a look at these tips from lottery expert Richard Lustig. The author of “Learn How To Increase Your Chances Of Winning The Lottery” has won more than $1 million in Florida by winning top jackpot prizes in smaller games.

https://www.mlive.com/lottery/2021/03/michigan-lottery-raised-record-117b-for-state-school-aid-fund-in-2020.html