Nearly $3 billion in prizes paid out as lottery creates 30 new millionaires and boosts education funding
CLEVELAND, OH — Ohio Lottery players fueled a $1.49 billion contribution to education after generating $4.4 billion in traditional lottery sales during the latest fiscal year, with nearly $3 billion paid out in prizes and 30 new millionaires created.
The Ohio Lottery announced Monday that it will contribute $1.49 billion to the Lottery Profits Education Fund, which supports K-12, vocational and special education programs across the state.
Lottery officials said traditional game sales reached $4.4 billion during fiscal year 2026.
Scratch-Off tickets accounted for the largest share of sales, totaling $2.36 billion.
Daily draw games, including Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5, generated $749.8 million in sales. Pick 4 and Pick 5 each posted year-over-year increases, while KENO sales climbed to $631.9 million, up $5.7 million from the previous fiscal year.
Multi-state games, including Mega Millions, Powerball and Millionaire for Life, generated $384 million in sales. Officials said stronger Powerball sales offset a decline in Mega Millions sales, which was attributed to the absence of large jackpots.
Ohio Lottery players claimed nearly $3 billion in prizes during the fiscal year. The Lottery said there were 39 winners of prizes worth $500,000 or more and 30 players became millionaires, including the winner of a $60 million Mega Millions jackpot and the first Millionaire for Life jackpot winner since the game launched in February.
Video lottery terminals also posted gains, generating $1.46 billion in net win, an increase of $65.4 million over the previous fiscal year. That resulted in $490.5 million in profit from VLT games.
“We’re proud of this year’s $1.49 billion contribution to education, which was achieved thanks to the dedication of our staff, retailers, vendor partners, and enthusiastic lottery players,” Ohio Lottery Director Michelle Gillcrist said in a statement.
The figures released by the Ohio Lottery are preliminary and unaudited. Final audited figures are expected in October.
Since 1974, the Ohio Lottery has contributed more than $35 billion to education statewide.
Key Points
- The Ohio Lottery contributed $1.49 billion to education after a $4.4 billion sales year.
- Players won nearly $3 billion in prizes, including 30 new millionaires.
- Scratch-Offs generated $2.36 billion in sales, the highest of any game category.
