Despite the presence of COVID-19, the Maryland Lottery has revealed that itself and the state’s six casinos have combined to contribute roughly $1.113bn to Maryland’s good causes in Fiscal Year 2020.
The results posted also show that lottery profits for the year fell just shy of last year’s record-setting figure with COVID-19 pandemic being cited as a main cause as sales dipped by roughly 30% during the first weeks of the outbreak.
More positively, however, the operator has revealed that sales figures rebounded during the final quarter of the fiscal year, ended June 30, with the group ultimately recording figures of $2.189bn, down only $7m (-0.3%) from last year’s $2.196bn record.
Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director Gordon Medenica stated: “When the pandemic began, we were truly in uncharted territory. But lottery sales came roaring back, and the casinos worked diligently with us and with public health officials to prepare their reopening plans. We are still adjusting to this ‘new normal’ along with everyone else, and we are proud to continue providing vital funding for Maryland.”
The results posted by the lottery see it surpass the $2bn figure for the third consecutive year, with the group revealing that it was on track to set a new all-time record were it not for the presence of the pandemic.
Regarding profits to the state, the lottery posted figures of $588.7m, down only $4.5m (-0.8%) from the all-time record established in FY2019.
Lottery profits support the Maryland General Fund, which provides budgets for many programs, including education, the environment and public health and safety services.