New York Lottery retailers net millions despite Mega Millions blank

New York Lottery sign
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The Mega Millions jackpot may have evaded players in New York last time around, but the run still proved profitable for the New York Lottery and its retailers.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the second largest Mega Millions jackpot of all time had been won by a player in Maine, ending a 26-draw sequence that had begun on Oct 18.

However, despite players in New York failing to land the $1.35bn prize, the popularity of the game led to some eye-catching figures which were recently shared by the New York Lottery.

Ticket sales totalled $172.4m leading up to the Jan 13 draw, which generated more than $70.6m combined for the state’s public schools and lottery retailers.

All of New York’s profits from the sales are constitutionally dedicated to New York’s K-12 public schools, totalling $60.3m. Meanwhile, commissions on Mega Millions sales paid to retailers across the state surpassed $10.3m.

“As the numbers show, the New York Lottery provides entertainment for millions of responsible New Yorkers and delivers real money for public schools and small businesses across the state,” said New York State Gaming Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer.

“The Gaming Commission remains committed to supporting the lottery’s goal of generating revenue for schools and retailers.”

The lottery remains North America’s largest and most profitable, contributing $3.6bn in lottery aid to education for FY2022 to help support education in the state.