Published: January 13, 2020

Michigan Lottery hits $1 billion milestone in 2019 public school contributions

MICHIGAN (WPBN/WGTU) -- The Michigan Lottery had a record-setting year in 2019!

According to lottery officials, the Michigan Lottery raised more than $1.07 billion for schools across the state, which is an increase of nearly $129 million compared to 2018's contribution.

2019 marks the largest one-year increase in the Lottery's 47-year history and the first time the Lottery has reached the $1 billion milestone in support for public education in a single year.

Last year was also the Lottery's fifth straight record-setting year for school contributions, an increase of about $327 million, or 44%, since fiscal year 2014, before the streak began.

 

School contributions over the prior five years were:

  • FY18: $941.3 million
  • FY17: $924.1 million
  • FY16: $888.9 million
  • FY15: $795.5 million
  • FY14: $742.9 million

Since beginning in 1972, the Michigan Lottery has generated more than $23.4 billion for public education in Michigan.

"This vital funding for our schools would not be possible without the support of our players and retailers, which we greatly appreciate," said Commissioner Brian O. Neill. "Every Lottery purchase helps raise revenue for schools in our state."

The Lottery set several other significant records in fiscal year 2019, including:

  • Nearly $3.9 billion in sales
  • More than $2.3 billion in prizes to players
  • More than $287 million in commissions to Lottery retailers -- many of which are small, family-owned businesses across the state.

Michigan even saw a winner of the $80 million Powerball Jackpot during the September drawing.

The winning ticket was sold at Barrels & Barrels Party Store in Suttons Bay.

The breakdown of how each dollar spent on a Michigan Lottery ticket was divided in 2019 is as follows:

  • 61 cents went to players as prizes
  • 27 cents went to the School Aid Fund to support public education
  • 9 cents went to commissions for retailers and vendors
  • 3 cents funded the Lottery's operations and administrative costs

Under state law, all profits from the Lottery go to the School Aid Fund.