The New Hampshire Lottery has announced a significant milestone, surpassing $3 billion in contributions to public education since its establishment in 1964. The lottery, known as the first state-run lottery in the United States, allocates 29 cents of every dollar spent on tickets to support educational initiatives within the state.
Charlie McIntyre, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Lottery, remarked on this achievement: “Our 60th anniversary last year, our 5th anniversary of sports betting this year, and now eclipsing $3 billion returned to public education in New Hampshire—the milestones just keep on coming.” He emphasized the importance of generating critical funding for students and schools across New Hampshire.
Over recent years, the lottery has introduced several innovations aimed at boosting revenue for education. These include KENO 603 launched in 2017, NH iLottery in 2018, sports betting in 2019, and more recently a mobile app and revamped website. Debra Douglas, Chairman of the New Hampshire Lottery Commission stated: “This milestone is all about impact, opportunity and making a real, tangible difference in the lives of students, families and communities.”
In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, the lottery generated $207 million for public education—a record high that marks an increase from previous years. The total sales for that fiscal year also set a new record at over $631 million.
Since its inception over six decades ago through efforts led by Keene State Rep. Laurence “Larry” Pickett who successfully proposed a sweepstakes bill tied to educational funding—ticket sales began officially on March 12th with Governor John King purchasing one at Rockingham Park.
To date since launching sports betting on December 30th back then Granite Staters have wagered more than $3.5 billion contributing significantly towards education funding too.
For further details about ongoing operations or historical insights into how these funds continue supporting local communities visit www.nhlottery.com where additional resources are available online anytime day or night!
