North Carolina Lottery Surpasses $1 Billion in Sales

Raleigh, North Carolina, September 10, 2025

News Summary

The North Carolina lottery has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $1 billion in sales for the third consecutive year. With record sales of $6.6 billion, this state-run lottery continues to play a crucial role in funding education across the state. Digital offerings have contributed notably, with nearly 40% of sales derived from digital products. As lottery excitement increases, players are reminded to approach games responsibly.

Raleigh, North Carolina – The North Carolina lottery has marked a significant milestone, surpassing $1 billion in sales for the third consecutive year. This achievement comes as the state-run lottery reported record sales of $6.6 billion for the fiscal year 2025, reinforcing its role as a vital source of funding for education within the state.

Of the record-breaking sales, over $1 billion is earmarked to support various educational needs throughout North Carolina. The North Carolina Education Lottery distinguishes itself by being the only state-operated lottery in the nation that has seen annual sales growth since it began operations.

A notable factor contributing to this surge in lottery sales is the increase in digital offerings. Almost 40% of lottery sales stem from a product known as Digital Instants. North Carolina is among the select states that permit residents to purchase lottery tickets via an app and website, enhancing convenience for users. The state lottery commission green-lighted the sale of digital instant gaming in 2023, which has evidently attracted a growing number of players.

In a highlight of recent consumer activity, North Carolinians spent a staggering $16.8 million on Powerball tickets over the weekend prior to the sales report, driven by excitement over the $1.8 billion jackpot. When combined with the Mega Millions lottery, which boasted a jackpot of $453 million shortly after the Powerball drawing, interest in lottery participation continued to surge.

On average, each resident in North Carolina spends approximately $421 annually on lottery tickets. This expenditure positions the state as 12th in the nation for lottery spending. By comparison, Massachusetts leads the country with an average spending of $915 per person, whereas North Dakota ranks the lowest at just $50 per resident.

Despite the immense popularity of lottery games, financial analysts caution that engaging in such games is often less advantageous than saving money in a traditional savings account. Players are encouraged to approach lottery participation as a form of entertainment rather than a reliable strategy for financial gain.

Amid the ongoing excitement in the lottery landscape, players nationwide competed for the largest jackpot in U.S. history, set at $1.8 billion, with the drawing scheduled for September 6. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot remain daunting, approximately 1 in 292 million, against the backdrop of a U.S. population that currently stands around 342 million.

For those seeking assistance with gambling-related issues, resources are available at morethanagamenc.com, offering guidance and support for players who may need it.

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Additional Resources

• WRAL: North Carolina Lottery Surpasses $1B in Education Digital Sales
• USA Today: Powerball Ticket Purchase Cutoff Times
• North Carolina Lottery: Mega Millions Jackpot Grows
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lottery
• PR Newswire: Scientific Games Technology for NC Education Lottery

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