The Real Winners: How New York Lottery revenue benefits public schools

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New York is home to nearly 20 million unique and ambitious individuals seeking the chance to thrive. That’s why it’s so important that New York’s public schools are up to the task of educating future generations of New Yorkers.

The New York Lottery plays a significant part in delivering on this promise to our students. The constitutional mission of the New York Lottery is to earn revenue for public education.

Lotteries have historically supported important causes, including education. For example, lotteries were integral in funding the construction of our Ivy League schools, New York’s City Hall, Boston’s Faneuil Hall, and countless other important projects.

Since 1967, the New York Lottery has contributed more than $86 billion to schools statewide, including $3.8 billion in the last fiscal year.

This funding is distributed to more than 700 districts across the state via the same school funding formula established by lawmakers in each year’s state budget. Generally, the formula takes into account both a school district’s size and its income level.

Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Distributions by Counties

• New York City – $1.2 billion 
• Suffolk – $273 million
• Nassau – $220 million
• Westchester – $117 million
• Albany – $51 million
• Rockland – $44 million

Click here to see the aid distribution for other New York counties.

The New York Lottery is the largest and most profitable lottery in North America, and New York’s students reap the benefit. When New Yorkers buy a lottery ticket, they’re not only taking a chance to win – they are also supporting our schools and our future generations’ chances to thrive.

Click here if you’d like to learn more about the New York Lottery’s contributions to public education.

Disclaimer: Please play responsibly. Must be 18+. Gambling problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY.