U.S. and Canadian Lotteries Generate Billions Annually to Support Communities Across North America

CONCORD, Ohio (April 8, 2026) – The North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) is highlighting the significant and ongoing contributions that U.S. and Canadian lotteries make to society, collectively generating billions of dollars each year to fund vital public programs and services.

At a time when governments face increasing fiscal pressures and growing demands for public investment, lotteries across North America continue to fulfill a core mission: responsibly generating revenue for the public good while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, security, and player protection.

Across North America, lotteries collectively contribute tens of billions of dollars annually to public programs. In fiscal year 2025 alone, U.S. lotteries delivered more than $28.4 billion to beneficiaries, while Canadian lotteries provided over C$2.6 billion. Since the launch of the first state lottery in 1964, U.S. lotteries have contributed upwards of $673 billion to the programs and services they support, while Canadian lotteries have raised more than C$89.3 billion since their inception in 1970. These funds provide critical support for initiatives such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental conservation, and community development.

Unlike most forms of entertainment, lotteries are uniquely designed to give back. On average, about 95% of funds generated from traditional U.S. lottery games is returned to the economy through a combination of prize payouts, support for public beneficiaries, and commissions for local retailers. This structure not only funds essential initiatives, from scholarships and school funding to senior services and natural resource preservation, but also ensures meaningful economic impact in communities by rewarding players and sustaining local businesses.

“Lotteries across North America are proud to serve as a reliable funding partner for the communities they represent,” said NASPL Executive Director David Gale. “Whether you choose to participate in lottery games or not, you are still a benefactor of lottery proceeds. Every ticket purchased contributes to something greater: helping to build stronger schools, healthier communities, thriving public spaces, and so much more.”

In addition to financial contributions, lotteries also support tens of thousands of jobs through retail networks, supplier partnerships, and operational roles. With hundreds of thousands of points of sale across the U.S. and Canada, lotteries remain deeply embedded in local economies.

As consumer behaviors evolve, North American lotteries continue to modernize responsibly, balancing retail and digital channels while prioritizing player protection and responsible gaming. These efforts ensure that lotteries remain a safe, regulated alternative in an increasingly complex gaming landscape, where illegal and unregulated operators pose risks to consumers and public funding.

NASPL and its members remain committed to transparency, accountability, and maximizing the positive societal impact of lottery operations. As policymakers evaluate the future of gaming and public funding, the Association emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unique role lotteries play in supporting communities across North America.

For more information about NASPL and its member lotteries, visit www.naspl.org.

About the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries 

The North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries was founded in 1971. With membership representing 53 lottery organizations across North America, NASPL serves as a platform for sharing exclusive research and data, standards and best practices, and networking and learning opportunities. Our mission is to advocate for state and provincial lottery organizations on matters of general lottery policy and leverage collaboration, communication, education, and information for the betterment of the industry.