Illinois Lottery continues growth in first half of FY24

The Illinois Lottery generated estimated returns of $456 million for the state in the first half of the 2024 fiscal year, on sales of $1.9 billion.

The record sales performance in the six-month period to December 31 was driven by the historic volume of multi-billion dollar multi-state jackpots, as well as a 33 per cent increase in digital sales.

The Illinois Lottery also raised over $4.1 million for good from its specialty scratch ticket program, which generates revenue for causes such as homelessness, Alzheimer’s, breast cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, police memorials, Special Olympics, and Illinois veterans.

As of January 1, 2024, two additional good causes will benefit from lottery funding - the United Negro College Fund and DREAM Fund.

“For 50 years, the Lottery has provided Illinois residents with fun and entertainment, a chance to win, and an opportunity to make a difference through the funding we generate - with K-12 education as the Lottery’s primary benefactor during most of our time serving Illinois. The Lottery has contributed more than $24 billion in revenue to educational funding in Illinois,” said Harold Mays, Illinois Lottery director.

The Illinois Lottery paid $1.2 billion in prizes during the first six-month period, including 26 prizes of $1 million or more.

Keith Horton, Illinois Lottery general manager and general counsel for Allwyn North America commented: “With a focus on digital innovation, combined with retail excellence, we are growing the Lottery’s player base and sales by offering engaging game content and new ways to play, backed by a data-driven and machine-learning based approach to Customer Relations Management.”

Sales of the Illinois Lottery in January 2024 amounted to $314.24 million, a fall of 9 per cent year-on-year.

In related news, Harold Mays was unanimously reappointed as Illinois Lottery director last week by the Illinois State Senate.