Florida Lottery celebrates latest milestone of $33 billion in contributions to education over 30 years

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Lottery has announced it has reached the $33 billion mark in total contributions to the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund over the past 30 years. Since the Lottery’s inception, Florida’s public schools have received more than $11.6 billion, colleges and universities have received a combined total of more than $8.4 billion, and more than $5 billion has been used to fund the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, sending over 775,000 students to college since 1997.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Today’s news that the Lottery has reached $33 billion in total contributions to education means that more Florida students will have the opportunity to get a great education in our state. The success of the Florida Lottery has a direct connection to the continued success of Florida’s scholarship programs and world-class education system. Just this month, U.S. News & World Report again ranked Florida as the best state in the nation for higher education and this latest milestone achievement will help us continue the important work of making sure that every student has access to a great education in Florida.”

“As the Lottery celebrates its 30 years in operation, we are especially proud of this milestone moment in education funding,” said Secretary Jim Poppell. “We are thankful to Governor Scott for his leadership, our loyal players, hardworking retailers and dedicated employees who allow us to help Florida students achieve their dreams of a brighter future.”

The Lottery has established itself as a committed and dependable funding source for public education; contributing more than $1 billion annually for the past sixteen consecutive years, while remaining one of the most efficiently operated lotteries in the country. The benefits continue to be felt in communities across the state.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA LOTTERY

The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $33 billion to education and sending more than 775,000 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.