Arizona Lottery sales surge as jackpots fuel state budget boost

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — With Friday’s Mega Millions jackpot exceeding $500 million, Arizona Lottery players are dreaming big while unknowingly contributing to a significant boost in state funding.

Arizona lottery ticket sales surged dramatically this year, with the Arizona Lottery Commission reporting total ticket sales of $138.2 million in August alone — a $25.5 million increase, or 22.7% higher than the same period last year.

“You got to play to win,” said Kimberly in Phoenix. She plays the lottery frequently. “It’s the anticipation of not knowing if you’re going to win or lose.”

Douglas Cole, an expert in the state’s budget, said a lot of this money goes back into state resources.

“You get about $37 million a year goes to higher education,” said Cole, who is the chief operating officer for HighGround Public Affairs Consultants. “Another $36 million this past year went to health and human services programs. Then there’s about $15 million that goes to economic development … $215 million this past year has gone to the general fund.”

The cash provides flexible resources for various government operations.

“It’s like when you go to Vegas, the house usually sees a big benefit for you sitting at the poker table. The lottery is no different, except that it’s a publicly run enterprise and it benefits many, many useful and needed state programs,” said Cole.

Cole said it’s critical funding during a time of economic uncertainty.

“In these tight budget times where we’re seeing so many federal dollars being curtailed from Washington after the pandemic, the state of Arizona is going to be looking for every quarter in the couch cushions to help fund the state budget,” he said.

While Kimberly said she loses more than she’d like, it’s a consolation prize knowing her money is being used to help vital state programs.

“It makes me feel that at least I know im doing my part, so somewhere down the line it trickles down and I know that I have done my part,” she said.

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