Raleigh, North Carolina, September 10, 2025
News Summary
The North Carolina state-run lottery has achieved over $6.6 billion in sales, marking the third consecutive year of surpassing the $1 billion milestone. A significant portion of this revenue, over $1 billion, will support educational programs in the state. The growth is attributed to the rising popularity of digital sales, which now account for nearly 40% of lottery sales, thanks to innovative products like Digital Instants. Responsible gaming resources are available for players seeking assistance.
Raleigh, North Carolina – The North Carolina state-run lottery surpassed the $1 billion mark in sales for the third consecutive year, reaching an impressive total of $6.6 billion for the fiscal year 2025. This significant increase in revenue is anticipated to channel over $1 billion towards educational needs within the state, continuing the lottery’s commitment to supporting public schools and educational programs.
The North Carolina Education Lottery, operating since 2005, remains unique as it is the only state-run lottery in the nation that has consistently increased sales every year since its initiation. This growth is markedly supported by the rising popularity of digital sales, which account for nearly 40% of total lottery sales. The successful introduction of a product called Digital Instants has played a crucial role in this trend, enhancing accessibility for players who can now purchase lottery tickets directly through a state-sanctioned app and website.
In 2023, the state’s lottery commission took a proactive step by approving the sale of digital instant gaming, marking a significant shift in how lottery games are offered to the public. This move aligns with the growing digital trends in gambling, making North Carolina one of the few states that provides such an option for its residents.
In the days leading to this report, excitement surrounding major lottery draws amplified spending among North Carolina shoppers, with $16.8 million spent on Powerball tickets alone over one weekend, as players vied for a historic $1.8 billion jackpot. This event occurred in tandem with the Mega Millions jackpot soaring to $453 million, further driving interest and participation in lottery games across the state.
On average, residents of North Carolina spend approximately $421 annually on lottery tickets, positioning the state 12th in the nation in terms of lottery spending per person. This figure is significantly lower than that of Massachusetts, which leads the nation with an average spend of $915 per person. Conversely, North Dakota ranks lowest with an average of $50 spent per individual.
Consumer finance analysts have cautioned that while the allure of winning large sums in the lottery is appealing, the odds of hitting the jackpot, particularly in games such as Powerball, stand at about 1 in 292 million. This perspective has prompted discussions on the financial viability of playing the lottery compared to saving money in traditional financial instruments.
For residents seeking assistance with gambling issues, resources are available at morethanagamenc.com, promoting responsible play and providing valuable information about gambling support.
As the Powerball players nationwide aim for what is deemed the largest jackpot in U.S. history, with drawing times set for September 6, North Carolina’s lottery continues to demonstrate robust performance. With the state pushing for further innovative expansions in gaming, and backed by overwhelming public support, the trajectory for the North Carolina Education Lottery seems poised for continued success.
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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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