Celebrating Lottery Week

Published July 15, 2025

This week marks the seventh national Lottery Week – a time to collectively reflect on who we are as an industry, what we’ve achieved, and where we’re going.

For those of us in the lottery world, we know the numbers only tell part of the story. Yes, more than $30.6 billion was returned to public programs across the U.S last year, and yes, millions of players enjoyed our games. But the real impact runs deeper.

Lottery Week gives us a chance to celebrate our shared mission – to generate revenue for good causes through games people enjoy, in a manner that is ethical, transparent, and socially responsible.

It also gives us a moment to recognize you – the people who make this industry work. From product managers to marketing analysts, call center staff to legislative liaisons, as well as our retail and vendor partners, and everyone in between – your efforts power the success of every ticket sold and every dollar returned.

Across jurisdictions, our work touches nearly every corner of public life: funding scholarships, infrastructure, and elder care; supporting environmental initiatives and veterans’ services; investing in economic development and job creation; and so much more. In my home state of Illinois, $884 million in lottery proceeds was used to fund public education and good causes.

But just as importantly, we continue to evolve responsibly. Our industry is navigating new technologies, changing consumer expectations, and increased competition from private and offshore gaming entities. And through it all, we strive to remain grounded in player protection, public trust, and accountability.

Let this week be more than a celebration. Let it also be a recommitment – to our mission, to our communities, and to one another.

Thank you for being part of this industry. And thank you for all you do to help lotteries thrive, serve, and lead.

Happy Lottery Week!

Harold Mays

NASPL President

Director, Illinois Lottery