LOTTERY INDUSTRY

Lotteries Around the World

Lotteries are a big business, used by governments worldwide to raise money for many purposes. There are publicly operated lotteries on almost every continent in at least 100 countries and over 200 jurisdictions worldwide.

1. Lotteries are operated by national, state or provincial governments, and cities.
2. Lotteries are regulated by national, state or provincial governments.
3. Lottery tickets are sold at more than 240,000 locations in North America, most of which are retail outlets such as convenience stores, gas stations and supermarkets.
4. Retailers are paid a small commission on tickets sold, ranging from 5 to 7 percent, usually with bonuses for the sale of winning tickets or exceeding sales goals.
5. Worldwide lottery sales were almost $240.1 billion in 2009.
6. Since the New Hampshire lottery was founded in 1964, lotteries have raised over $293 billion for government programs in North America. (through FY09)
7. In fiscal year 2009 U.S. lotteries turned over $17.6 billion ($US) to their beneficiaries.

Popular Games

1. Most lotteries offer instant or scratch-off tickets.
2. Keno and video lottery terminals are also popular.
3. Outside of the U.S. various kinds of sports betting is common.
4. There are also some raffles or passive games.
5. A few government lotteries, including those in Ontario and Quebec, also operate casinos.

2009 Worldwide online lottery sales: $176.6 billion

2009 Worldwide instant ticket sales: $63.5 billion

2009 online U.S. lottery sales: $22.6 billion

2009 U.S. instant ticket sales: $30.4 billion

Where does the state's share of lottery sales go?
Several state lotteries are dedicated exclusively to education, among them California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and South Carolina.

Many states add the lottery profits to their general funds: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, and Rhode Island.

Many states split revenues between education, the general fund, and other purposes, including Arizona, Iowa, Kentucky, Montana, Texas, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia.

Some other interests supported by lottery revenues:

1. Ballparks and Stadiums: Maryland, Washington
2. Environment, Parks and Natural Resources: Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon
3. Transportation and Construction: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, South Dakota
4. Compulsive Gambling Programs: Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Nebraska, North Dakota
5. Elderly Support: Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, West Virginia
6. Housing: Kentucky, Puerto Rico
7. Vietnam Veterans: Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky.

During 2009:

1. U.S. lottery sales totaled $53 billion ($US).
2. Canadian sales reached $7.4 billion ($US).
3. Annual Per capita sales were $184 ($US) in the U.S. and $220 ($US) in Canada
4. Total U.S. lottery retailers were 199,443

2009 World's Largest Lotteries (in total retail sales in $U.S., excluding VLT)

1. Italy:  Lottomatica S.p.A. $23.4 billion
2. France: La Francaise des Jeux $14.3 billion
3. Spain:  Loterias y Apuestas del Estado. $14.1 billion
4. Japan:  Mizuho Bank Ltd. $10.9 billion
5. China:  China Welfare Lottery $10.8 billion
6. United Kingdom: The National Lottery $8.5 billion
7. China: China Sports Lottery $8.3 billion
8. Greece: OPAP S.A. $7.8 billion
9. Italy: SISAL S.p.A. $6.9 billion
10. United States: New York Lottery $6.8 billion

2009 Ten Largest American Lotteries (in total retail sales in $U.S., excluding VLT)

1. New York $6.8 billion
2. Massachusetts $4.4 billion
3. Florida $3.9 billion
4. Texas $3.8 billion
5. Georgia $3.7 billion
6. Pennsylvania $3.1 billion
7. California $3.0 billion
8. New Jersey $2.6 billion
9. Ohio $2.5 billion
10. Michigan $2.4 billion

2009 Highest U.S. Annual Per Capita Sales (excluding VLT)

1. Massachusetts $666
2. D.C. $403
3. Georgia $374
4. New York $347
5. Maryland $300

Source: LaFleur's 2010 World Lottery Almanac

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