One of the frequent questions we get is, "Where is all that Lottery money going?" There is a detailed listing of all the programs that are funded by Lottery proceeds each year on our Web site. But what is implied by these statements is, "If the Lottery is raising money for education, how come the school is in such disrepair?" Or, "Why does the band have to hold a fundraiser for new uniforms? I thought the Lottery money was oging to fix all that."
The Lottery does generate money for public education in Missouri. Through the patronage of citizens, the Missouri Lottery will contribute more than $250 million for public education this year. That's a lot of money, right?
It is a lot of money, and they are funds that would have to come from higher taxes or cuts in other programs if the Lottery wasn't helping generate proceeds. But it's important to keep that in perspective.
According to the Office of Administration, the current budget being considered by Legislature will appropriate nearly $6.5 billion for elementary, secondary and higher education next year. That's nearly one third of the entire state budget. Most of that funding comes from sources like the federal government, other state revenues and local property taxes. So while the Missouri Lottery's contribution to public education is important funding, it's a small percentage of the necessary funds required to house and educate the next generation of citizens.
We're proud to be part of that effort, and we take the job of creating fun and exciting games, while maximizing profits for education, very seriously. Thank you for your part in making Missouri a little richer for everyone.