While most players don’t win big, New York State Lottery officials all those losing tickets are adding up to big gains for the state’s education system and are assisting convenience stores, service stations and other locations where lottery tickets are sold.
The New York Lottery on Thursday announced jackpots from a trio of games — Mega Millions, Powerball and NY LOTTO — have “skyrocketed,” leading to the generation of $63.9 million for New York’s public schools and small businesses.
Representatives from the New York Lottery said the state remains North America’s largest and most profitable lottery, contributing $3.7 billion in lottery aid to education for fiscal year 2022-2023.
As of Thursday, the state lottery system reported sales for the jackpots have generated a combined $55 million for New York’s public schools, including Mega $23.8 million from Mega Millions, $17.8 million from and $13.4 million from NY LOTTO.
The jackpot sales for the three games have also generated $8.9 million in commissions for lottery retailers — many of which are small businesses, including $4.1 million from Mega Millions, $3 million from Powerball and $1.8 million from NY LOTTO.
“Multiple massive jackpots mean more opportunities to win life-changing money while benefiting New York’s public schools,” said Gaming Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer. “Even if a New York player’s numbers don’t get called, every ticket purchase is a win for New York state’s taxpayers and businesses.”
The current Mega Millions jackpot of $607 million marks the first $500-plus million jackpot in 2024. The current jackpot roll began on Dec. 12, 2023, and has rolled 24 times leading up to the next drawing to be held on Friday evening.
The current Powerball jackpot of $443 million has rolled 26 times since the last winning ticket was drawn on Jan. 1, 2024.
The current NY LOTTO jackpot stands at $16.8 million and has rolled 52 times since the last winning ticket was drawn on Sept. 2, 2023.
The New York Lottery reminds players to gamble in a socially responsible manner. Those seeking help can visit NYProblemGamblingHelp.org or call New York State’s confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369).