BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Lottery Corporation transferred $46.5 million to the state treasury for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, marking a $4 million increase from last quarter, thanks to a $1.2 billion Mega Millions jackpot roll in December. Despite this boost, total transfers for the first half of the year reached $88.9 million, still $17 million behind last year’s pace, which ended as the Lottery’s second-best finish ever.
Economic Pressures Impact Lottery Sales
Lottery President Rose Hudson attributed the decline to inflationary pressures and jackpot fatigue, noting that players have become more accustomed to large jackpots, reducing the urgency to purchase tickets. Additionally, retailers have reported lower store traffic, as consumers cut back on discretionary spending.
“Strong inflationary pressures and jackpot fatigue are having a noticeable effect on sales,” said Hudson. “We are also hearing from our retailers that there is less store-traffic overall as consumers cut back on discretionary spending. Nevertheless, the Lottery continues to ‘up our game’ with more experiential promotions that create added value for our players’ purchases.”
Financial Breakdown for Second Quarter
With $155.7 million in revenue for the quarter, the Lottery’s total state transfers reached $46.5 million. Since launching operations in 1991, the Lottery has generated more than $13.8 billion in revenue, with $4.85 billion transferred to support K-12 public education, representing approximately 35% of total revenue.
Retailers across the state also benefited, earning $8.8 million in commissions and incentives from October through December, bringing year-to-date retailer compensation to nearly $16.7 million.
Upcoming Promotions and Game Enhancements
Looking ahead, Hudson highlighted several exciting promotions and game changes set to launch this spring:
- Golden Nugget Grand Prize Event – A second-chance giveaway in which 10 finalists will win additional cash prizes of up to $1 million.
- Mega Millions Enhancements – The game will undergo a major revamp, including an increased starting jackpot of $50 million and a built-in prize multiplier feature.
- NASCAR Powerball Playoff Promotion – Players will have a chance to win a VIP race getaway and up to $1 million.
Responsible Gaming and Player Security
The Louisiana Lottery reminds players that they must be at least 21 years old to purchase tickets. Anyone experiencing gambling-related issues is encouraged to call the toll-free 1-877-770-7867 for assistance. For security purposes, players should sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchasing.
Since 1991, the Louisiana Lottery has remained dedicated to maximizing revenue for the state while upholding integrity and public trust. To date, it has transferred over $4.8 billion to K-12 public education. For the latest news and updates, visit the Louisiana Lottery website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.