Virginia Lottery generates $914M for public education (copy)
Virginia lottery scratcher tickets are displayed Wednesday at Sunrise 6 on Franklin Turnpike in Danville.
Virginia Lottery players generated more than $914 million for Virginia’s K-12 public schools during fiscal year 2026, the state agency announced this week.
This marked the lottery’s second-highest profit year ever and the third consecutive year lottery profits have exceeded $900 million. The FY26 results were driven by a record-breaking sales year, with players purchasing $6.36 billion in lottery products, according to a written statement.
These results are not official until the Auditor of Public Accounts certifies the final lottery profit figures later this month.
Under Virginia law, every penny of that profit goes directly to support K-12 public education across the Commonwealth.
“These FY26 results reflect a simple formula: outstanding retail partners, innovative digital products, exciting jackpots and, above all, an exceptional lottery team committed to serving Virginians,” said Virginia Lottery Executive Director Kevin Hall. “Every ticket purchased and every game played helps support public education and the Virginia Lottery team takes tremendous pride in that mission.”
On Monday Hall presented a ceremonial check to Gov. Abigail Spanberger.
“Every dollar of this year’s $914 million contribution goes to Virginia’s future — to our schools, students, and teachers across every corner of our Commonwealth. Investing in education has always been one of the smartest investments we can make,” Spanberger said. “Virginians expect gaming to be conducted responsibly, transparently and with strong public oversight. I know that the lottery remains committed not only to generating revenue for education, but to doing so with a focus on protecting Virginians.”
The Lottery’s record financial performance was fueled by $6.36 billion in total product sales, including nearly $4 billion in online sales through the Virginia Lottery mobile app and valottery.com.
That represents the strongest sales performance in the online program’s six-year history.
“Since launching online sales in 2020, the lottery has focused on meeting customers where they are,” said Hall. “Consumers increasingly expect to engage with trusted brands whenever and wherever it’s most convenient. Our digital offerings have expanded those choices while complementing the thousands of Virginia retailers who remain at the heart of our business.”
More than 5,300 Virginia businesses sold lottery products during the past fiscal year, generating more than $128 million in commissions and bonuses for businesses across Virginia.
The lottery also continued expanding its retail presence into social establishments, creating additional opportunities for Virginia businesses while offering adult players more convenient ways to enjoy new games and engaging experiences.
Players won more than $5 billion in prizes during the past fiscal year. For every dollar spent on Virginia Lottery games, nearly 80 cents was returned to players as prizes.
“The Virginia Lottery’s responsibility is larger than generating revenue: it is earning and maintaining the public’s trust,” said Virginia Lottery Board Chairman Ferhan Hamid. “The Board is proud to oversee an organization that embraces innovation while remaining committed to integrity, transparency, responsible gaming and strong financial stewardship. Those principles make this year’s investment in Virginia’s public schools possible.”
