Raleigh, North Carolina, September 10, 2025
News Summary
North Carolina’s state-run lottery has achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing $1 billion in sales for the third consecutive year. With total sales reaching $6.6 billion, the state allocates over $1 billion towards educational funding. The significant increase in digital sales, particularly through the Digital Instants product, has driven this success. As lottery participation grows, experts advise caution regarding the financial implications of gambling.
Raleigh, North Carolina – For the third consecutive year, North Carolina’s state-run lottery has surpassed the $1 billion mark, with record sales reaching $6.6 billion for the fiscal year 2025. This milestone allows the state to allocate over $1 billion to support educational needs, affirming the lottery’s commitment to funding public education initiatives.
A significant factor in this remarkable achievement is the surge in digital sales, which accounted for nearly 40% of total sales, primarily driven by a product known as Digital Instants. North Carolina has become one of the few states enabling players to purchase lottery tickets through a user-friendly app and website. In 2023, the lottery commission approved the sale of digital instant gaming, further facilitating online participation.
The escalating popularity of lottery games in North Carolina was evident during the weekend prior to this report when shoppers spent $16.8 million on Powerball tickets as they chased the record $1.8 billion jackpot. Following that, the Mega Millions jackpot also climbed to $453 million, showcasing the growing excitement and competition among players.
In terms of spending, the average North Carolinian spends about $421 per year on lottery tickets, positioning the state 12th in the nation for lottery expenditure. Massachusetts leads with an impressive average of $915 per person, while North Dakota has the lowest at $50.
The North Carolina Education Lottery distinguishes itself as the only state-run lottery in the nation that has continuously increased its sales since its inception. This consistent growth highlights the lottery’s strategic adoption of modernization, particularly through digital platforms, which are appealing to a broader and younger audience.
Consumers should be aware of the financial implications of playing the lottery, as experts caution that lottery participation is statistically less beneficial than saving money in a savings account. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot, for instance, stand at approximately 1 in 292 million. With a current U.S. population estimated at 342 million, the odds underscore the challenges of claiming such life-changing rewards.
For those seeking assistance with gambling habits, resources are available through organizations such as morethanagamenc.com, which provides support for individuals who may need help managing their lottery play.
This record-breaking success is more than just a number; it reflects North Carolina’s evolving relationship with gambling and entertainment, fostering an environment where the lottery continues to play a pivotal role in educational funding. As sales soar and digital options expand, the future of the North Carolina Lottery looks bright, promising continued investment in the state’s educational infrastructure.
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Additional Resources
- WRAL: North Carolina Lottery Surpasses $1B in Education Digital Sales
- USA Today: Powerball Ticket Purchase Cutoff Times
- North Carolina Lottery: Mega Millions Jackpot Grows
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lottery
- PR Newswire: Scientific Games Technology for NC Education Lottery
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
