Throughout the years, the Michigan Lottery has contributed billions to the School Aid Fund.
In 2023, that was the case once again.
This week, the Michigan Lottery and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced more than $1.3 billion would be given to the fund in 2023.
That marks the fifth consecutive year that the Michigan Lottery has contributed at least $1 billion in their annual payment to the fund.
How Michigan Lottery funding is tabulated
For Fiscal Year 2023, each dollar spent on a Michigan Lottery ticket was broken down this way:
- 61 cents to player prizes
- 27 cents to the School Aid Fund to support public education
- 9 cents to commissions for retailers and vendors
- 3 cents funded the Lottery’s operations and administrative costs
Under Michigan state law, all profits from the lottery go to the School Aid Fund. The School Aid Fund supports public education programs throughout Michigan.
Over the last five years, the Michigan Lottery has contributed more than $6.2 billion to the School Aid Fund.
“The Michigan Lottery’s fifth-straight contribution of more than $1 billion to our state’s School Aid Fund will improve education outcomes and support students,” Whitmer said in a statement.
“In addition to investing in our schools, each Lottery ticket purchase also supports local businesses, building on our economic momentum. With about 97 cents of each dollar spent on the Lottery returned to Michiganders in the form of contributions to the School Aid Fund, prizes, and commissions to local vendors and retailers, the Lottery makes a real difference for communities across Michigan. Congratulations to the Lottery team on another successful year.”
Last year, the Michigan Lottery contributed $1.25 billion to the School Aid Fund. In Fiscal Year 2021, it contributed a record $1.419 billion to the fund.
Lottery up to $28 billion in School Aid Fund contributions
Since 1972, the Michigan Lottery has contributed more than $28 billion to the School Aid Fund.
“The Lottery’s contribution of $1.3 billion to the School Aid Fund provides a critical source of financial support for public schools throughout Michigan,” said acting Lottery Commissioner, Jessica Weare, in a statement.
“Continuing the incredible streak of billion-dollar contributions to the School Aid Fund is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of the entire Lottery team, the dedication of our retailers and vendors, and the support of Lottery players.”
Over $3 billion in Michigan Lottery prizes this year
In 2023, Michigan Lottery players collected more than $3 billion in prizes for the third consecutive year. Since the Michigan Lottery began in 1972, players have collected more than $50 billion in prizes.
This year, lottery retailers in Michigan were paid more than $350 million in commissions. Over the last five years, retailers have earned nearly $1.7 billion in commissions.
Lottery products are currently sold at more than 10,000 locations across the state. Nearly 600 of those retailers sold $1 million or more in Lottery games.
Michigan Lottery biggest gambling contributor in Michigan
In 2022, Michigan approached nearly $2 billion in tax revenue and contributions to the state of Michigan through the gambling industry. The final tally was $1.96 billion.
The biggest contributor was the Michigan Lottery, which gave $1.25 billion to the School Aid Fund.
With online casinos bringing in higher totals this year, and the Michigan Lottery upping their contribution, the state could cross that $2 billion mark for 2023.
Michigan Lottery’s responsible gambling resources
On top of the prizes given out, the Michigan Lottery is also committed to promoting responsible gambling. Michigan was the first state lottery to receive certification of its online program through the National Council on Problem Gambling.
It also has attained Responsible Gaming Verification through the North American Association State and Provincial Lotteries.
The Michigan Lottery has its responsible gaming information and resources available at its website.
