$568.8 million in ticket sales: Wisconsin Lottery breaks sales record for third straight year

MADISON (WITI) -- The Wisconsin Lottery set an all-time record with $568.8 million in ticket sales in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2014, Wisconsin Lottery Director Mike Edmonds announced today.  The $568.8 million tops the previous record of $565.6 million set in 2013, making three consecutive years of record sales.

"It was another good year for taxpayers and for thousands of business owners and lottery players throughout Wisconsin," Edmonds said. "Lottery retailers received over $38 million in commissions.  Players took home more than $280 million in prizes during the year, including eight $1 million winners."

The $568.8 million in sales generates $160 million in property tax relief for Wisconsin homeowners, down $4 million from the prior year.  Edmonds said fiscal year 2013 was an extraordinary year for Powerball, with two jackpots over $500 million.  Powerball has higher profit margins than other games, which contributed to higher net operating income last year.

Wisconsin Lottery Sales

            *estimated & unaudited; inmillions, rounded

Sales were up for instant games, partially due to the introduction of a $30 scratch ticket. Due to the lack of large jackpots in fiscal year 2014, Powerball sales alone were down 24%. However overall lotto sales were helped by the addition of 5 Card Cash, a new $2 lotto game introduced in April.