September 10, 2025

North Carolina Lottery Surpasses $1 Billion in Revenue

Raleigh, North Carolina, September 10, 2025

News Summary

The North Carolina Education Lottery has reported surpassing $1 billion in revenue for the third consecutive year, driven by impressive total sales of $6.6 billion. This growth, fueled by digital sales and mobile accessibility, showcases a successful lottery system that supports educational needs across the state. As North Carolinians enthusiastically spent millions on Powerball and Mega Millions tickets, consumer analysts also urge caution regarding lottery participation, highlighting the low odds of winning.

Raleigh, North Carolina – The North Carolina Education Lottery has announced that it has surpassed $1 billion in revenue for the third consecutive year, thanks to a record fiscal year for 2025, which reached an impressive $6.6 billion in total sales. This consistent growth will contribute over $1 billion towards meeting the educational needs across the state.

This achievement marks a notable trend, as the North Carolina Education Lottery is the only state-run lottery in the U.S. to have increased its sales every year since it began operations. The surge in revenue is significantly fueled by the rise in digital sales, which accounted for nearly 40% of total lottery sales through a product known as Digital Instants. This substantial portion illustrates the importance of digital offerings in today’s lottery landscape.

North Carolina stands out as one of the few states allowing lottery ticket purchases through a mobile app and website, enhancing accessibility for players. In 2023, the North Carolina lottery commission approved the sale of digital instant gaming, contributing to the increase in sales.

During the recent weekend leading up to the report, North Carolinians demonstrated their enthusiasm for lottery games, spending $16.8 million on Powerball tickets alone. The Powerball jackpot was a staggering $1.8 billion, drawing significant interest from citizens eager for a chance at a life-changing win. Additionally, the Mega Millions jackpot reached $453 million shortly following the Powerball draw, further boosting ticket sales.

On average, individuals in North Carolina spend approximately $421 each year on lottery tickets, placing the state 12th nationally in per capita spending. By comparison, Massachusetts leads in lottery spending at $915 per person annually, while North Dakota ranks the lowest at $50.

Despite the excitement surrounding lottery games, consumer finance analysts advise caution, noting that participating in lotteries can be less financially fruitful than saving money in a traditional savings account. While lottery games can offer large jackpots, the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are about 1 in 292 million, given the current estimated U.S. population of around 342 million people.

For those seeking help regarding gambling concerns, resources are available at morethanagamenc.com, emphasizing the importance of responsible gaming and financial literacy.

As North Carolina continues to break sales records and enhance its offerings, the education sector in the state stands to benefit significantly, ensuring that the revenues generated through the lottery are effectively utilized to support educational development. The combination of traditional lottery games and digital sales points to a changing landscape in how state-run lotteries engage with players, reflecting evolving consumer preferences.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

New Bern Resident Claims $100,000 Prize from Lottery Scratch-Off Ticket
Historic $1.787 Billion Powerball Jackpot Winner Announced
Powerball Jackpot Hits $1.8 Billion in South Carolina
Powerball Reaches $1.8 Billion Jackpot with Winning Numbers
Army and Navy Bands to Perform Free Concerts in North Charleston
Three Players in North Carolina Win $100,000 in Powerball
Three South Carolina Residents Win $50,000 in Powerball
Three Arrested in Lottery Fraud Schemes in South Carolina
Three Arrested in South Carolina Lottery Fraud Cases
South Carolina to Allow Debit Card Payments for Lottery Tickets

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.