North Carolina Education Lottery is celebrating 20 years of operation (2006–2026), having raised over $1 billion for NC Pre-K programs and over $800 million for college scholarships. The lottery has funded half a million scholarships and supported early education for thousands of children. A 20th-anniversary special $20 scratch-off ticket and digital instant game are being released in 2026.
“We’ve been very deliberate and I think quite measured in how we grew our portfolio of games over time,” says Executive Director and CEO Mark Michalko, who took the helm in April 2018. Based on extensive research, new products have been introduced that complement, rather than cannibalize, other products already in the market, with the goal of reaching the widest audience possible. “We have a very broad and deep portfolio right now, and over the last couple of years we have reached additional players with our digital platform.”
Key 20-Year Milestones and Impact (2006–2026):
CLICK to read 'TWO DECADES ONE DREAM'
Pre-K Education: More than $1 billion in lottery funds has supported NC Pre-K, providing high-quality academic preschool to four-year-olds.
College Access: Over $800 million was invested in scholarship and grant programs, including the new Next NC Scholarship for the 2024-25 school year.
Lottery Payouts: Numerous players have won major prizes, including $50,000 a year for 20 years and various $1 million+ jackpots.
The lottery has consistently marketed its, "Two Decades, One Dream" theme, highlighting its role in supporting education from pre-kindergarten through college.
https://nclottery.com/