Lottery celebrates 35th anniversary with $2 billion in record-breaking sales
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (September 3, 2024) – Kentucky Lottery players won more than $1.5 billion in prizes in fiscal year 2024 as the organization celebrates its 35th anniversary with record-breaking sales and transfers to the Commonwealth for lottery-funded scholarships and grants.
In fiscal year 2024, ending June 30, the Kentucky Lottery generated more than $2 billion in sales, a 14 percent increase from the previous year. The Lottery reached the $1 billion in sales mark only 7 years ago in 2017.
In its mission to fund scholarships and grants for Kentucky students and families, the Lottery transferred more than $404 million to the Commonwealth, a more than 6 percent increase over last year.
“What is most special about this accomplishment is that we generated even more money to fund higher education in every part of the state.”
Since 1999, the Kentucky Lottery has funded more than $5 billion in scholarships and grants.
Kentucky Lottery President and CEO Mary Harville attributes the banner year to a number of factors – loyal Lottery players and the entertaining games and big jackpots that they love; its 3,500 retailer partners; an experienced Kentucky Lottery staff; and the good causes supported by Lottery funds.
“What is most special about this accomplishment is that we generated even more money to fund higher education in every part of the state,” Harville said. “The scholarships and grants we fund are important because they encourage Kentucky students to stay in Kentucky, to go to school and eventually make their homes right here in the state.”
Harville said one in five Kentuckians has received a college scholarship or grant funded by the Kentucky Lottery.
FY 2024 by the numbers:
The Kentucky Lottery made 21 millionaires.
146 players were big winners of $100,000 or more.
Group of middle school employees win $1 million on Powerball.
Lottery commission and incentive payments to retailers totaled more than $87 million.
Kentucky Lottery celebrated its 35th anniversary in Frankfort.
Scholarships and grant programs funded by Kentucky Lottery proceeds include:
Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship or KEES.
Kentucky Tuition Grant.
College Access Program.
Work Ready Scholarship.
Dual Credit Scholarship.
Teacher Scholarship.
National Guard Scholarship.
The Kentucky Lottery launched two beneficiary videos in 2024 – Work Ready Scholarship and Dual Credit Scholarship.
To find how much scholarship and grant funding each county has received since 1999, click here.