Massachusetts Lottery has announced that its profits for the year are the largest in the corporation’s 50-year history.
The lottery operator recorded $1.1bn in profits, which exceeded the previous record in FY2019.
As per state laws, the profits will be transferred to the state commonwealth and is set to go towards good causes in the community such as education and infrastructure.
State Treasurer, Deborah B. Goldberg, commented: “Despite the pandemic, this year the lLottery experienced record- setting sales.
“Thanks to our lottery team, retail partners and particularly our customers, we will again be able to deliver critical resources to every community in the state.”
Sales also eclipsed previous records as unaudited estimates calculate a total of $5.83bn across the year, which means the Massachusetts Lottery has recorded sales over $5bn for seven consecutive years.
Instant ticket sales surpassed the $4bn mark for the first time in the lottery’s history, whilst Powerball and Mega Millions tickets also saw record sales.
The lottery attributes the successful year to the reopening of society following the COVID-19 shutdown and large jackpot prizes throughout the year.
Michael Sweeney, the Lottery’s Executive Director, commented: “I greatly appreciate the collective efforts made by lottery team members, our retail partners and our customers to maintain safe environments at our claim centers and retail locations under unique circumstances.
“As a result of this cooperation, and with the guidance of Treasurer Goldberg and our Commissioners, the lottery proved to be a safe form of entertainment and an important source of revenue for small businesses while contributing a record amount of support to cities and towns across the Commonwealth.”
