Idaho Lottery Celebrates 35 Years with Record Dividend to People of Idaho

During a community celebration at The Village in Meridian, the Idaho Lottery commemorated their record-breaking 35th Anniversary by returning the single largest dividend in their history to the people of Idaho. The Idaho Lottery Commission presented Governor Brad Little with an $84,000,000 dividend check, a 2.4% increase over last year’s dividend.

“In 1988, Idahoans voted at the ballot box and approved establishing a state lottery to benefit public education. The Lottery has been a success for players, and it has created economic opportunity for Idaho businesses. Most importantly, the Lottery team has contributed nearly $1.3 billion for the benefit of Idaho public schools and buildings,” Governor Brad Little said.

Historically, Idaho Lottery dividends have been used by school districts for building maintenance, repairs, and operational projects. A change in statute during the 2024 Legislative session changes how Lottery dividends are utilized by the State’s school districts.

“Idahoans who play the fun and entertaining games from the Idaho Lottery help build communities in Idaho. Today we are in the West Ada School District where last year’s dividends are being used by local builders and tradesmen to repair roofs, replace HVAC systems, and make school facilities more accessible. Today’s Idaho Lottery dividends will benefit future public school district facilities and provide property tax relief by paying down voter-approved bonds and levies,” said Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director.

Governor Little and Idaho Lottery Commission Chairman, Craig Corbett, awarded the largest single check ever from the Idaho Lottery to support public education in the Gem State. On behalf of Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction, Debbie Critchfield, the Department of Education’s Chief Financial Officer, Gideon Tolman, accepted a check for $52,500,000.

“The 35th anniversary of the Idaho Lottery is the perfect time to celebrate all the good it has done for Idaho’s public schools. For years, the lottery has helped support K-12 education and once again, on behalf of Idaho schools, I want to thank Idahoans for these additional resources that will continue to benefit public school operations in our state,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction, Debbie Critchfield.

Dale Reynolds, Chairman of the Permanent Building Fund Advisory Council, accepted a check for $31,500,000 on behalf of the State’s Permanent Building Fund. Permanent Building Fund dollars support maintenance and capital projects for State-owned facilities and Idaho’s public college and university buildings.

“Over the past 35 years, the Lottery has proven its resourcefulness and partnership by contributing well over half-a-billion dollars for Idaho’s state-owned facilities. Lottery revenue each year enables us to preserve our historical facilities, provide safe work environments for the Gem State’s employees, and improve the quality of Idaho’s collegiate campuses,” said Reynolds.

This year’s dividend comes after Idaho Lottery sales exceeded the $400 million threshold for the second consecutive year.

“This is all made possible with funds from the Idaho Lottery, not tax dollars,” added Anderson.

In addition to the dividend record, the Idaho Lottery also awarded a record amount to their network of over 1200 brick and mortar retail locations who earned $24.7 million in commissions.