Media Contact:
Meghan Dougherty
720-688-0037
Meghan.Dougherty@state.co.us
Pueblo, Colo. -- The Colorado Lottery announces a record sales year of $826.9 million and Lottery proceeds distribution of $180.3 million that will be distributed among Lottery proceeds beneficiaries for fiscal year 2022. The Lottery’s continued efforts to operate using best practices in the industry have helped the Lottery see consistent growth.
The Lottery’s Scratch product segment continues to drive sales for the Lottery. Scratch game revenue last year was $590.3 million, two and a half times the Lottery’s combined Jackpot games revenue, which totaled $236.6 million. Here is a detailed breakdown of the Lottery’s fiscal 2022 revenue, by game, over the past five years.
Also in fiscal year 2022, the Lottery reached the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) cap early in April. In addition to the $73.1 million to GOCO, the Lottery will provide the Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) with $72.1 million. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will receive the usual 10% from the Lottery plus additional funding for its Parks/Outdoors Recreation and Wildlife Cash Funds, totaling $24.3 million. Building Excellent Schools Today's (BEST) spillover revenue was $9.3 million. Here is a detailed breakdown of Lottery proceeds distributions over the last five years.
This past fiscal year, the proceeds distribution for the new Outdoor Equity Fund, managed by CPW, increased from $750,000 in fiscal year 2021 to $1.5 million pursuant to state law. The fund recently identified 43 projects to receive funding to enhance access to the outdoors for underserved communities.
"Other than a slight dip in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Lottery has seen revenues rise every year for the past six years,” said Tom Seaver, director of the Colorado Lottery. “It’s a testament to our efforts to give players what they want in terms of games, promotions and access, all while operating responsibly. But it’s really about the proceeds. Hitting another sales record helps us maximize funds for our beneficiaries, which means more money for outdoor recreation, conservation, open spaces, schools and outdoor equity in Colorado — that is what we’re most proud of.”
In addition to the dominant Scratch category, Colorado Lotto+ continues to play a critical role in the Lottery’s success, nearly doubling Mega Millions revenue in fiscal year 2022, up from $47.9 million in fiscal year 2021 to $66.4 million this past year. This increase was due in part to the largest jackpot in Colorado Lotto+ history of $25 million in January 2022. Additionally, Lucky for Life saw a large increase in sales this year due to the change to daily
drawings, and Powerball increased by 20% thanks to two jackpot runs that reached over $600 million and the addition of a third draw each week, which started in August 2021.
“The Lottery’s record sales revenue, while simultaneously increasing its commitment to responsibility, demonstrates its dedication to player fun and safety,” said Department of Revenue Executive Director Mark Ferrandino. “The Lottery is always looking for ways to continue to grow its revenue in a responsible way to be able to give more money back to its beneficiaries to fund the outdoors and schools in Colorado. I celebrate its continued success.”
Of every dollar spent on Lottery games, 65 cents goes back to winners and 21-24 cents to proceeds beneficiaries. Lottery retailers receive an average of more than $19,000 every year selling Lottery products. As a state agency committed to fiscal responsibility, in fiscal year 2022, the Lottery worked to increase programming around responsible gaming and recently achieved the highest level of responsible gaming accreditation in the industry from the World Lottery Association.
“The Lottery would not be here today if it wasn’t for the participation of its most important partners, our retailers,” added Seaver. “I’m thankful for the nearly 3,000 retailers who work with the Lottery and hope to add many more in the future.”
About Colorado Lottery
Since 1983, the Colorado Lottery has returned more than $3.9 billion to outdoor projects through Great Outdoors Colorado, the Conservation Trust Fund, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Building Excellent Schools Today. Proceeds from sales of Colorado Lottery games – Scratch, Powerball, Mega Millions, Colorado Lotto+, Lucky for Life, Cash 5, and Pick 3 – enhance, protect, improve parks, trails, and open space in Colorado. For more information, visit coloradolottery.com.