The continued growth of the Maryland Lottery and the state’s six casinos combined to contribute a record-breaking total of $1.311 billion to the state in fiscal year 2019, according to a report issued by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency.
The Maryland Lottery set a new all-time sales record, which, in turn, drove a record-setting mark of $593.1 million in profit to the state. In addition, all-time records were established for prizes to players, retailer commissions and instant ticket (scratch-off) sales.
Casino gaming revenue contributed a record $717.5 million to the state, including an all-time high of $542.7 million to the Maryland Education Trust Fund.
The combined total of $1.311 billion in state contributions is a 4.7 percent increase over the previous record of $1.252 billion fiscal 2018. Meanwhile, the agency’s operating expenses remained low at 3.5 percent of sales on the Lottery side, and 1 percent of total gaming revenues for the casino program.
The lottery’s sales for FY2019 (July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019) totaled $2.197 billion, beating last year’s record of $2.043 billion by 7.5%. The state’s casinos also set a new record of $1.76 billion in gaming revenue.
“We’re pleased to be able to report on new records, but equally, we’re proud to serve as a vital source of revenue for the state,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director Gordon Medenica. “We are extremely grateful for the efforts of our employees, our retailers, our vendors and our casino partners. The hard work continues as we move forward into a new year.”
Governor Larry Hogan congratulated Maryland Lottery and Gaming for its strong fiscal-year performance.
“The $1.3 billion generated by the casinos and the lottery provides funding for essential state programs that our citizens rely on every day,” said Hogan. “Education is our top priority, and with the passage of the lockbox amendment last year, our students and classrooms will benefit from a contribution of nearly $543 million to the Education Trust Fund.”
Together, the Maryland Lottery and casinos support a wide variety of causes, including education, public health and safety, the environment, veterans’ organizations, and the state’s horse racing industry.
