Illinois lottery reports record $3.87 billion in sales and $804 million in proceeds

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — The Illinois Lottery generated a record $3.87 billion in sales during fiscal year 2026, delivering $804 million in proceeds and providing nearly $792 million to support K-12 public education across the state, according to lottery officials.

The lottery said fiscal year 2026 marked another strong year of growth, with four of the past five years setting sales records. In addition to funding education through the Common School Fund, the lottery contributed $12 million to specialty causes supported by Illinois law.

“The year’s record sales demonstrate that Illinois Lottery players continue to support one of the state’s most vital institutions: public education,” lottery officials said in a news release.

Lottery players collected more than $2.7 billion in prizes during the fiscal year, with nearly 107.5 million winning tickets sold. Officials said 147 players won prizes of $1 million or more, including one Illinois iLottery player who claimed a $536 million Mega Millions jackpot.

Retailers across Illinois also saw benefits from lottery sales, receiving $176.5 million in commissions and bonuses for selling tickets.

The lottery also reported a record $757 million in online sales through its iLottery platform.

The Illinois Lottery, founded in 1974, has contributed more than $26 billion to Illinois’ Common School Fund since 1985. Lottery officials noted the fiscal year 2026 operating income figure of $804 million remains subject to audit and final confirmation

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/general/illinois-lottery-reports-record-3-87-billion-in-sales-and-804-million-in-proceeds/ar-AA2g6VzL?ocid=BingNewsVerp