LANSING (WWJ) -- The Michigan Lottery contributed a record-breaking amount of money to schools in 2021.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday that the lottery added $1.419 billion to their school aid fund, shattering its previous record of $240 million set in 2020.
According to officials, 2021 marks the third consecutive year the lottery has contributed more than $1 billion to the fund.
Since their streak began in 2015, the lottery’s contribution to the school aid fund has increased 78.5%, with 2021 marking their seventh consecutive record contribution.
“When Michiganders play to win, our students and schools win too,” said Whitmer. “The Michigan Lottery’s record contribution to the school aid fund helps us keep kids safe and learning in-person, delivers critical funding to support K-12 programs, and ensures every family has access to a high-quality, public education. The lottery’s record-setting performance over the last seven years has helped us put Michigan students first. Together, we have closed the funding gap between schools, raised per-student funding, and improved school facilities, all without raising taxes. I am grateful to everyone who has made this substantial investment in our kids possible.”
Related
Lottery contributions to the school aid fund over the prior six years were:
• 2020 - $1.179 billion
• 2019 - $1.070 billion
• 2018 - $941.2 million
• 2017 - $924.1 million
• 2016 - $888.9 million
• 2015 - $795.5 million
Other records set by the lottery in the 2021 include more than $5 billion in sales and more than $3.1 billion in prizes to players.
“Lottery purchases help support Michigan schools and businesses,” said Lottery Commissioner, Brian O. Neill. “These incredible results would not be possible without our players, retailers, vendors, the dedicated team at lottery and support across state government.”
Since it began in 1972, the Michigan Lottery said they have raised more than $26 billion for public education in Michigan. Approximately $7.2 billion, or 28%, of that amount was raised over the last seven years.
Related
For each dollar spent on a Michigan Lottery ticket in 2021, approximately:
• 61 cents went to players as prizes
• 28 cents went to the School Aid Fund to support public education
• 9 cents went to commissions for retailers and vendors
• 2 cents funded the Lottery’s operations and administrative costs
Under state law, all profits from the lottery go to the school aid fund.
Responsible gaming information and resources are available on the lottery’s website.
