Pennsylvania Lottery Generates More Than $1 Billion for Programs That Benefit Older Pennsylvanians for 15th Consecutive Year
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. (September 9, 2026) – Pennsylvania Lottery officials today announced that the Lottery generated a profit of more than $1 billion to benefit older Pennsylvanians during the 2025-26 fiscal year. This is the 15th consecutive year the Lottery has generated more than $1 billion to help fund senior programs, including free and reduced-fare transportation, prescription assistance, and more.
“Behind every Lottery ticket is a contribution to programs that help older Pennsylvanians live healthier, more independent lives,” said Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne. “The Pennsylvania Lottery is unique in its sole mission to support older residents, and we are proud that Lottery proceeds continue to make a meaningful difference in communities throughout the Commonwealth.”
“Reaching another $1 billion-plus year for programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians is an achievement worth celebrating,” said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. “We’re grateful to our players and retailer partners for their continued support, and to our employees for the work they do every day to move the Lottery forward. We’ll continue working to grow sales responsibly, introduce new and exciting games, and deliver on our promise to benefit older Pennsylvanians every day.”
Since its founding in 1972, the Pennsylvania Lottery has contributed more than $38.2 billion to programs that benefit older adults in the Commonwealth. The Lottery operates in one of the most competitive gaming markets in the country. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported an all-time high of more than $7 billion in revenue during the 2025-26 fiscal year from the various games it regulates. The state’s gaming industry continues to evolve, with newer forms of gaming contributing to increased competition and creating additional challenges for Lottery sales and profitability. The Lottery is working to diversify its portfolio of products and offer games with more winning experiences to meet player preferences and to continue generating proceeds for programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians.
Here is a breakdown from the fiscal year that ran from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026:
Sales of traditional games sold at retail, such as Scratch-Off tickets and Draw Games like Powerball® and Mega Millions®, totaled $4.44 billion.
Sales of online games, which include eInstant games and online Draw Games, generated $849 million in sales.
Scratch-Off game sales totaled over $2.8 billion — down about $30.9 million, or about 1.1 percent, from the previous year. These games account for more than 64 percent of total traditional sales. The Lottery continues to slow the multi-year decline in Scratch-Off Sales by enhancing games with more winning experiences and optimizing new game launches to better meet player preferences, supported by the profit margin relief provided under Act 37 of 2025.
Draw Games at retail — including the PICK family of games and Wild Ball, Treasure Hunt, Cash 5 with Quick Cash, Match 6 Lotto, Millionaire Raffle, Millionaire for Life™, CASH POP™, Powerball®, and Mega Millions® — contributed over $1.3 billion. This is an increase of more than $148.8 million, or 12.65 percent, from the previous year’s total. This is primarily due to Powerball® and Mega Millions® jackpots, which historically boost sales.
The Lottery’s $849 million in online eInstant play increased by more than $18.2 million, or 2.19 percent, from the prior fiscal year. Online Draw Game ticket sales totaled more than $61 million, an increase of $11.4 million, or nearly 23 percent.
Sales of Monitor Games, which include Keno and Derby Cash Horse Racing, totaled an estimated $45.9 million this fiscal year, a slight decrease of $0.97 million, or 2.07 percent, from the previous fiscal year.
More than $3 billion in traditional game prizes were paid to winners, a significant increase of more than $120 million or 4.14 percent from the previous fiscal year. The increase was driven in part by the Lottery’s ability to offer games with higher prize payouts under the new profit margin relief.
A total of 84 winning tickets of $1 million or more were paid to players during the 2025-26 fiscal year.
More than $757 million in prizes were paid out to winners of online eInstant games. This was a decrease of $19.8 million or 2.69 percent from the prior fiscal year.
An estimated 10,000 licensed Lottery retailers statewide earned an estimated $245.9 million in regular commissions and over $21.5 million in additional retailer incentives for a total of more than $267.4 million in total sales and bonus commissions. This equates to 6.02 percent commission on traditional sales.
September is Responsible Gaming Education Month
A nationwide effort dedicated to promoting safe and informed play among all individuals who gamble. The PA Lottery is committed to encouraging responsible gambling and healthy play among its players and helping everyone recognize the signs of gambling-related harms. Free and confidential resources are available for those who may need assistance, including the helpline 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). Players can also reach out via pacouncil.com, where they can access the helpline by phone, text, or chat. To learn more about Healthy Play® visit Please Play Responsibly on palottery.com.
About the Pennsylvania Lottery
The Pennsylvania Lottery remains the only state lottery to direct all proceeds to programs that benefit older residents. Since ticket sales began in 1972, it has contributed more than $37.2 billion to fund transportation, care services, prescription assistance, and local services including senior centers and meals. The Pennsylvania Lottery operates as a bureau within the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
Visit the Winners and Benefits pages at palottery.com to review how much money each county receives in Lottery prizes and funding to benefit older Pennsylvanians.
Players must be 18 or older. Please play responsibly. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for help with a compulsive gambling problem.
Visit palottery.com for winning numbers, rules, chances of winning, and to join the VIP Players Club to play online or enter for second chances to win. Install our Official App, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn. Use the hashtag #palottery to share your messages with use.
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