Florida Lottery reaches $6.2 billion in sales during calendar year 2016

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Lottery has reached a new record of more than $6.2 billion in sales during calendar year 2016; surpassing the previous year's sales by more than $411 million. The Lottery's 2016 contributions to the state's Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) are expected to reach $1.6 billion, a 7% increase over last year.

"Ending 2016 with this never before reached sales record is a tremendous accomplishment for the Florida Lottery," said Secretary Tom Delacenserie. "Not only do our players and retailers benefit, but more importantly, these record-breaking sales help provide more opportunities for Florida students to ensure they receive the very best education possible."

This year's record sales of more than $6.2 billion resulted in the Florida Lottery transferring an average of $135 million toward education every month during 2016.

The Florida Lottery reinvests 98 percent of its revenue back into the state's economy. With $1.6 billion generated for education, more than $3.9 billion paid to prize winners, and $342 million in retailer bonuses and commissions paid to Florida businesses, the contributions made by the Lottery this calendar year will go a long way in moving the state forward.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA LOTTERY

The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $30 billion to education and sending more than 750,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 98 percent of its revenue back into Florida's economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,000 Florida retailers and transfers to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $52.4 billion in prizes and made more than 1,900 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.flalottery.com.