2025 Press Releases
July 8, 2025
Join the Celebration with Delaware Lottery Games: Lottery Week Starts July 14!
Recognizing lotteries’ contributions to communities
Dover, DE — The Delaware Lottery is joining lotteries across North America in celebrating the seventh annual Lottery Week, beginning July 14, 2025.
From funding crucial public programs to fostering economic growth and supporting local initiatives, lotteries play a vital role in enriching the lives of millions. Lottery Week recognizes the collective contributions of lotteries throughout the United States and Canada to the communities they serve.
“Lottery Week is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the value the Delaware Lottery brings to our state,” said Helene Keeley, Director of the Delaware Lottery. “Behind every ticket are real contributions that help Delaware thrive, from maintaining the places we love, to supporting the services people count on. We’re proud of the impact we’ve made over the past five decades and remain committed to generating revenue that supports the programs and resources that make a difference in every Delaware community.”
The Delaware State Lottery is the fifth-largest source of revenue for the state, contributing more than $6 billion to the state’s General Fund since 1975, including $245.9 Million in Fiscal Year 2024. Proceeds from the Lottery support a broad range of public services. These include public education, public safety, environmental protection, maintenance of parks and beaches, healthcare services for families and seniors, and various social support programs. By contributing to the General Fund, the Delaware Lottery provides funding that benefits all who live in, work in, or visit the state.
On average, about 95% of the revenue generated from traditional U.S. lottery games goes directly back into the economy through prizes, retailer commissions, and transfers to public beneficiaries. While individual jurisdictions vary, across the industry we estimate that lotteries return an average of 64% in prizes to players, 25% to public beneficiaries and 6.2% to retailer commissions. The remainder supports lottery operations, providing direct and indirect employment and other benefits.
Through their contributions, lotteries support a diverse array of programs, ranging from education and healthcare to environmental conservation and infrastructure development. These funds help improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the nation, providing essential services and resources where they are needed most.
In fiscal year 2024, U.S. lotteries generated sales of over $113.3 billion, resulting in more than $30.6 billion for their beneficiaries. But there’s more, beyond the numbers. In addition to their financial impact, lotteries actively engage with local communities through various initiatives and partnerships. From hosting charitable events such as food drives and community cleanups to collaborating with responsible gambling organizations to promote safe play, lotteries demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and community welfare.
Moreover, lotteries provide an entertaining and exciting form of entertainment for millions of players nationwide, offering the chance to win life-changing prizes while supporting important causes.
“Lottery Week is an important opportunity to highlight the many ways lotteries give back to their communities,” said David Gale, Executive Director of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries. “This week, we celebrate not only the vital programs and services supported by lottery proceeds, but also the commitment and dedication of our lottery and vendor employees. And of course, we thank our players and retailers for making it all possible.”
Lottery Week evolved from an idea implemented by the Massachusetts Lottery in 2018. Declaring July 17, 2018, as the official National Lottery Day, Mass Lottery offered players and retailers a special day of exciting lottery promotions, celebrating the provision of billions of dollars in local aid provided since the state’s Lottery was created in 1972.
About the Delaware Lottery:
Since the start of operations in 1975, the Delaware Lottery has contributed $6.0 billion to the state’s General Fund to help finance needed state services that benefit everyone in Delaware. The Lottery offers a variety of games: POWERBALL®, MEGA MILLIONS®, LOTTO AMERICA®, MULTI-WIN LOTTO, LUCKY FOR LIFE®, PLAY 3, PLAY 4, PLAY 5, Keno®, Sports Lottery and Instant Games, iGaming, Video Lottery and Table Games. Delaware Lottery game and promotional details are available at delottery.com, at licensed locations, and from the Lottery’s office in Dover.
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