This year, the Arizona Lottery hit a new record in sales.
"We are growing and we're investing like never before," said Alec Thomson, executive director of the Arizona Lottery.
Arizonans bought a record $1.52 billion in lottery tickets this year, fueling hundreds of millions of dollars for state programs ranging from higher education and transportation to foster-child advocacy and conservation efforts.
Arizona's lottery was launched in 1981 after voters passed a ballot initiative authorizing the program. The first scratch ticket was sold for a dollar on July 1 that same year. Since its inception, money raised has totaled $6 billion in state funding.
This year, the Arizona Lottery hit a new record in sales.
"We are growing and we're investing like never before," said Alec Thomson, executive director of the Arizona Lottery.
In addition to the funds collected by selling lottery tickets, nearly a third of the unclaimed prize money is directed to a program that advocates for Arizona's foster youth in court. The program, called Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, received nearly $7.5 million last year through winning tickets that went unclaimed after more than 180 days.
"This means a caring voice that advocates for the children, for their health, their developmental needs, a permanent home, and of course their wishes," said Caroline Lautt-Owens, director of the Dependent Children's Services Division within the Arizona Supreme Court.
Other unclaimed money goes toward funding dual enrollment programs in partnership with tribal colleges, and to support Arizona's Victims' Rights Fund and the Internet Crimes Against Children task force. A little more than half of the unclaimed prize money is returned to fund new games and prizes.
Where does money raised from the Arizona Lottery go?
The Arizona Lottery helps fund 17 different programs each year, as mandated by state law. They range in focus from business development to environmental conservation.
Here is how much money has been given since 1981, excluding sales from this year:
• Higher education: $459 million
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