The Connecticut Lottery paid $348 million to the state for the fiscal year July 2019-June 2020. Sales were $1.3 billion, compared to $1.33 billion the year before, which includes the months since March when the state was hit by the Covid pandemic. It was the lottery’s second best results in its history.
Instant ticket sales led the way with $20 million, followed by keno sales of $12 million.
During the same period the lottery paid $822 million in prizes and $73 million in commissions to retailers.”
Since the CT Lottery was created in 1971 it has paid $10.3 billion to the general fund.
During the pandemic, Governor Ned Lamont held the lottery to be an “essential service,” and so it didn’t shut down when many businesses did, including Sportech Venues, which operates off-track wagering.
Spokeswoman Tara Chozet wrote: “Some individual retailers may have closed or reduced their hours, but there was never a point when there were no lottery sales at all.”
Lottery CEO and President Greg Smith commented, “We’re pleased with the continued strength and consistent contributions the Connecticut Lottery has made to the state, particularly during a time in which Connecticut needs funding more than ever.”
