About Us
About the Louisiana LotteryLouisiana Lottery Corporation began in 1991 after the 1990 state Legislature proposed a state lottery (ACT 1045) as a way to generate revenue without increasing taxes. Due to the Lottery's unique operations, the Legislature recognized a corporate structure would suit it best.
Where The Money Went
Where the Money WentFiscal Year 2024 (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024)
$370.1 Million to Prize WinnersMore than half of Lottery sales are reserved for prize expenses. Prizes not claimed are returned to winners in the form of increased payouts on scratch-off tickets. Players have won more than $7 billion in prizes since the Lottery's inception.$204.8 Million to State TreasuryEffective July 1, 2004, the Louisiana constitution provides that Lottery proceeds be earmarked for the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP), which funds K-12 public education in Louisiana. In addition, the first $500,000 in annual Lottery proceeds is earmarked for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals-Office of Behavioral Health to fund problem gambling programs.Almost $205 million was transferred from sales in fiscal year 2024. As of fiscal year 2024, the Lottery has cumulatively transferred nearly $4.8 billion to the state treasury, averaging about 35% of its revenue.$35.7 Million to Lottery RetailersRoughly 2,800 businesses in Louisiana earn 5% commission on the sale of Lottery products as licensed retailers. In addition to revenue from commissions, retailers earn an incentive of up to 2% for cashing winning tickets of $600 or less. Retailers are also paid a selling bonus of up to 1% on the sale of winning tickets for Lotto jackpots; Easy 5 jackpots; Powerball and Mega Millions match-5 prizes (including Power Play and Megaplier winnings); and Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots (1 percent of Louisiana's contribution to the jackpots cash value or a minimum bonus of $25,000). Retailer commissions, incentives and bonuses reached reached $35.7 million in fiscal year 2024, amounting to over $744 million since the Lottery's inception.$32 Million to Lottery Operational ExpensesThe Lottery retains approximately 5% of its revenue to fund statewide operations, including its headquarters, five regional sales offices where players claim winning tickets, technology for generating tickets and conducting drawings, ticket printing and shipping, advertising, promotions and staffing. For the 25th consecutive year, the Louisiana Lottery received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada. The Louisiana Lottery was also the first in the country to receive industry verification that its quality assurance testing met best practices.The Louisiana Lottery's latest quarterly financial statement, balance sheet and comprehensive audited financial report for the last fiscal year, can be found on the Lottery's website at www.louisianalottery.com.
$370.1 Million to Prize WinnersMore than half of Lottery sales are reserved for prize expenses. Prizes not claimed are returned to winners in the form of increased payouts on scratch-off tickets. Players have won more than $7 billion in prizes since the Lottery's inception.$204.8 Million to State TreasuryEffective July 1, 2004, the Louisiana constitution provides that Lottery proceeds be earmarked for the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP), which funds K-12 public education in Louisiana. In addition, the first $500,000 in annual Lottery proceeds is earmarked for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals-Office of Behavioral Health to fund problem gambling programs.Almost $205 million was transferred from sales in fiscal year 2024. As of fiscal year 2024, the Lottery has cumulatively transferred nearly $4.8 billion to the state treasury, averaging about 35% of its revenue.$35.7 Million to Lottery RetailersRoughly 2,800 businesses in Louisiana earn 5% commission on the sale of Lottery products as licensed retailers. In addition to revenue from commissions, retailers earn an incentive of up to 2% for cashing winning tickets of $600 or less. Retailers are also paid a selling bonus of up to 1% on the sale of winning tickets for Lotto jackpots; Easy 5 jackpots; Powerball and Mega Millions match-5 prizes (including Power Play and Megaplier winnings); and Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots (1 percent of Louisiana's contribution to the jackpots cash value or a minimum bonus of $25,000). Retailer commissions, incentives and bonuses reached reached $35.7 million in fiscal year 2024, amounting to over $744 million since the Lottery's inception.$32 Million to Lottery Operational ExpensesThe Lottery retains approximately 5% of its revenue to fund statewide operations, including its headquarters, five regional sales offices where players claim winning tickets, technology for generating tickets and conducting drawings, ticket printing and shipping, advertising, promotions and staffing. For the 25th consecutive year, the Louisiana Lottery received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada. The Louisiana Lottery was also the first in the country to receive industry verification that its quality assurance testing met best practices.The Louisiana Lottery's latest quarterly financial statement, balance sheet and comprehensive audited financial report for the last fiscal year, can be found on the Lottery's website at www.louisianalottery.com.
Financials
Louisiana Lottery Financial InformationQuarterly Financial InformationIn accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 47:9021, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation publishes quarterly financial statements in the official journal of the state, including a statement of cash flows to identify the disposition of all funds expended by the corporation for any purpose:
Quarterly FinancialsAnnual Comprehensive Financial ReportThe Annual Comprehensive Financial Report is created by the Louisiana Lottery Corporation at the end of each fiscal year, July 1st through June 30th.Annual Comprehensive Financial ReportRetirement Plan Annual Comprehensive Financial ReportThe Retirement Plan Annual Comprehensive Financial Report is created by the Louisiana Lottery Corporation at the end of each calendar year, January 1st through December 31st.Retirement Plan Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
Past annual reports can be found on theLegislative Auditor's Web site.To view, download, or print these financial reports in PDF format, you must install the Adobe Acrobat Reader (free of charge) fromAdobe's website.
Quarterly FinancialsAnnual Comprehensive Financial ReportThe Annual Comprehensive Financial Report is created by the Louisiana Lottery Corporation at the end of each fiscal year, July 1st through June 30th.Annual Comprehensive Financial ReportRetirement Plan Annual Comprehensive Financial ReportThe Retirement Plan Annual Comprehensive Financial Report is created by the Louisiana Lottery Corporation at the end of each calendar year, January 1st through December 31st.Retirement Plan Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
Past annual reports can be found on theLegislative Auditor's Web site.To view, download, or print these financial reports in PDF format, you must install the Adobe Acrobat Reader (free of charge) fromAdobe's website.
Operations
Lottery OperationsStaffing & OfficesThe Lottery has 120 budgeted positions, including both full-time and part-time employees, in its downtown Baton Rouge headquarters, distribution center, as well as regional offices in New Orleans, Lafayette, Alexandria, Shreveport and Monroe. Regional staff process and pay winning tickets and support Lottery retailers, including training, monitoring product inventory and point-of-sale opportunities,assisting with in-store promotions, resolving problems, explaining new games and changes and ensuring compliance with Lottery rules. Operational management functions, including sales, accounting, auditing, marketing and public relations, human resources, security and information systems, are conducted from the Lottery's corporate headquarters. The Lottery's distribution center oversees inventory management and instant ticket order fulfillment.ProductsThe Lottery offers three types of games: scratch-offs, Fast Play and draw-style. Scratch-offs are instant-win games that require players to scratch off a latex surface on the ticket to find out immediately if they have won. At any given time, the Lottery offers over 25 scratch-off games with varying prices of $1, $2, $3, $5, $10 and $20. Ticket art, game design and prize structures are developed by Lottery staff. Tickets are printed by the Lottery's vendor, Scientific Games, under exacting quality control and security standards comparable to those in currency printing. As soon as all the top prizes in a scratch-off game have been claimed, the Lottery immediately begins the process of pulling the game from sale. Games may also be closed when ticket inventory is near sell-out or at the discretion of the Lottery's president.Fast Play games are instant-win games that do not require players to scratch the play area. Players can ask the store clerk for a ticket by game name or select the game on the Lottery's official mobile app to show a play code to the retailer. Tickets print directly from the Lottery's terminal system at the time of purchase, so players can see right away if they've won based on each game's unique play instructions.To play draw-style games, players choose their own numbers or allow the Lottery's computers to choose their numbers and then wait for a drawing to be held to see if they have won. From time to time, the Lottery may also conduct raffle-style games with a set number of sequentially numbered raffle tickets for sale. The terminals used for draw-style games in retailer locations are part of a closed communications network provided by Lottery vendor, INTRALOT. The INTRALOT gaming system cannot be accessed via the Internet or by the Lottery. This system is also separate from the Lottery drawing machine system. Current draw-style games include: Lotto, Easy 5, Pick 5, Pick 4, Pick 3, and two multistate games in which Louisiana participates, Powerball and Mega Millions.Louisiana law requires ticket purchasers to be at least 21 years old.Retailer DistributionLottery products are sold through a distribution network of roughly 2,800 Louisiana businesses who comply with an extensive licensing process that includes compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Louisiana Workforce Commission requirements and background screenings. Licensed retailers must display a sign indicating their status. Retailers earn a 5 percent commission as well as other incentives and bonuses on the sale of Lottery tickets. Retailers must also cash winning tickets valued up to $50 and are encouraged to cash winning tickets worth up to $600.
Historical Timeline
Louisiana Lottery Historical TimelineHere is listing of key milestone's in the Louisiana Lottery's history. Click for a general history of lotteries.1990