Arizona Lottery hits jackpot with $1.4B in ticket sales; winners get back $978M
Nov 30, 2021, 10:47 AM | Updated: 10:19 pm
(Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
PHOENIX – Arizona cashed in on the lottery in a big way with a record $1.4 billion in ticket sales for fiscal year 2021, the state agency said Monday.
The payout put about $978 million back into the pockets of ticket buyers and almost $288 million into the coffers of over 12 state programs and services.
Retailers’ cut amounted to over $98.2 million.
“It’s a heck of a birthday present,” Arizona Lottery spokesman John Gilliland told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday. The lottery celebrated its 40th year over the summer.
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“The money that people spend on lottery tickets does a lot of good across the state,” he said.
More than $22 million went to health-related programs, including one that assists low-income families eat better.
The Arizona Commerce Authority picked up $3.5 million for its Arizona Competes Fund to foster economic growth, attract businesses and helping established businesses.
Another $1 million went to Arizona Department of Economic Security, which will send at least $300,000 to Central Arizona Shelter Services to combat homelessness and help reduce COVID-19 among the dispossessed population.
Programs such as these, Gilliland said would otherwise rely on tax dollars.
“We love the fact that we were able to give back so much (this fiscal year) and we’re already on pace to do well this year,” he said.
The fiscal year ended June 30.
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Debra Dale contributed to this report.
