Lottery proceeds also helped support economic development and community programs

Olympia, Wash. (April 1, 2026) – When you buy a lottery ticket, you’re not just playing a game – you’re contributing to Washington’s future. In the last fiscal year, Washington’s Lottery generated $212.3 million for programs that make a positive, lasting difference for people and communities across the state, including funding student scholarships, supporting economic development, and promoting responsible gambling initiatives.

“For more than 40 years, Washington’s Lottery has existed to create opportunities for our players, retailers and beneficiaries, and it’s our privilege to show residents how their participation directly benefits education and vital community programs,” said Brian Bennett, Director of Washington’s Lottery. “It’s important for our players and partners to see the tangible impact these funds have on building a stronger Washington.”

The primary education-focused beneficiary that Washington’s Lottery is proud to support is the Washington Opportunity Pathways Account (WOPA). In fiscal year (FY) 2025, Washington’s Lottery provided $180.2 million to WOPA, which funds college grants and scholarships, early childhood education, vocational excellence programs, charter schools, and other education programs across the state. Through these funds, Washington’s Lottery helped benefit several important education initiatives, including:

• Providing $43.5 million to the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), which supports increased student success and higher levels of educational attainment in Washington.
• $39.1 million helped support the Washington College Grant, a financial aid program that helps people pay for career training, college, or an apprenticeship. The contribution from Washington’s Lottery provided more than 7,500 college students and apprentices across the state an average of more than $5,100 in financial support last year.
• Nearly $4.4 million helped fund the College Bound program to help eligible students attain a college or training degree or credential. This contribution provided approximately 24 percent of the program’s funding last year.
• Giving $40 million annually to the state’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), which provides critical services to children at more than 400 locations across the state. Children in state-funded pre-K programs like ECEAP see long-lasting positive effects, including increased grade progression, high school graduation, and college enrollment.

Lottery sales in FY25 also allowed for significant contributions to other beneficiaries of Washington’s Lottery, including $25.6 million to the General Fund, $5.7 million to the Economic Development Account, and $892,000 to combat problem gambling.

“Our players and retailer partners play a crucial role in driving our annual contributions,” said Bennett. “The $594.3 million in prizes that players took home this last fiscal year, along with the $46.8 million in commissions retailers earn are reinvested into local businesses, communities and households, helping to fuel even greater economic benefits across the state.”

Since its inception, Washington’s Lottery has generated more than $5.7 billion for programs benefiting Washington.

Who Benefits
Since 1982, Washington’s Lottery has generated more than $5.3 billion to support several important state programs. The Lottery’s primary beneficiary is the Washington Opportunity Pathways Account (WOPA), which provides much-needed funding for programs including early childhood education, the WA Grant and College Bound program, Washington Award for Vocational Excellence, GET Ready for Math and Science scholarships, and more. These programs help provide critical services and support to thousands of Washington residents each year and help improve their lives.

Beneficiary Fact
Washington’s Lottery is proud to be a financial supporter of the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), which administers state financial aid programs. WSAC leads a variety of initiatives to increase educational opportunities for students, families, and educators across the state, with a particular focus on increasing equity by reaching communities of color and students from low-income families. The Lottery also proudly supports the state’s Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP), a state-funded pre-K program that helps children become kindergarten-ready by building early skills in reading, math and science. The program works closely with parents to support their children’s health and education.

About Washington’s Lottery: The state’s Lottery offers consumers several types of games, including Mega Millions, Powerball, Lotto, Hit 5, Match 4, Pick 3, Cash POP, Daily Keno and Scratch. For more information, visit www.walottery.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @walottery.

Keep it fun. Know your limit. Washington’s Lottery is an advocate for responsible gaming and collaborates with the Evergreen Council for Problem Gambling to provide resources for those in need. More information is available at www.walottery.com/Responsibility.

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Press Contacts
Dan Miller (Curator on behalf of Washington’s Lottery)
E-mail: dan.miller@curatorpr.com

Xiamara Garza-Urbieta  (Curator on behalf of Washington’s Lottery)
E-mail: xiamara.garza@curatorpr.com