Winning for Education

So far, the fun of playing lottery games has raised more than $12 billion for education in North Carolina since the lottery started. Last year alone, the lottery raised over $1 billion.

Ever wanted to know where the money raised by the lottery goes? You’ve come to the right place. When you play the lottery, you aren’t just getting a chance to win big, you’re helping students and schools across the state. The money raised by the lottery supports education programs in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties. While the money raised each year represents only a portion of the state’s overall education budget, it still makes a difference – just see for yourself.

School Construction

Students need modern, up-to-date places to learn. Counties use money raised by the lottery to help build, repair, and renovate schools. Last year, counties received $100 million in lottery funds for school construction and $50 million − $500,000 per county − for repair and renovation projects. These funds help meet the needs that would otherwise have to be paid for by alternative means, such as property taxes. Local officials decide the best use of the construction funds they receive.

Needs-Based School Construction

In 2017, legislators increased funding for school construction by adopting a needs-based grant program. Administered through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the program uses lottery dollars to help smaller counties with critical building needs to build new schools and renovate older ones. Last year, over $458 million raised by the lottery helped 17 counties meet their school construction needs.

Pre-K

Being ready to learn helps kids get the most out of school. The N.C. Pre-K program serves four-year-old children who are at risk of falling behind their peers as they prepare for kindergarten. Thanks to lottery funds, 11,618 children across the state received a free, academic pre-school experience last year.

College Scholarships

Money raised by the lottery helps make dreams of college become reality. The Next NC Scholarship is available to eligible students who complete their FAFSA and enroll in a state university or community college in North Carolina. Last year, $46 million from the lottery accounted for 23% of total scholarships provided by the state. That’s 136,452 scholarships awarded, including stipends for students impacted by Hurricane Helene in late 2024. This year, lottery funds will also support the N.C. Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans.

School Staff

It takes a team to make a school work. Last year, $386 million in lottery funds were made available to support the operations of public and charter schools, including the costs of support staff such as office assistants, custodians and substitute teachers.

School Transportation

Just like students need a place to learn, they also need a safe way to get to school. Money raised by the lottery helps cover costs for school-provided transportation, like bus drivers’ salaries, fuel, and other related costs. Last year, public and charter schools received over $21 million to help cover the cost of school transportation.

Benefits in Every County

Ever wanted to know exactly how lottery funds make a difference where you live? Choose your county from the drop-down menu or click on your county on the map to find out.

Earnings for Education

Last year, the lottery raised more than $1 billion to support education programs. This chart shows how the amount of money raised has grown since the start of the lottery.

Supporting Specific Programs

Money raised by the lottery has made a difference in North Carolina every year since 2006. Lottery funds have supported various education programs over time, based on the decisions made by legislators. Counties receive their portion of lottery funds through the state agencies that administer each program, including the Department of Public Instruction, Department of Health & Human Services, and the NC State Education Assistance Authority.

Supporting Charter Schools Too!

Last year, $39.5 million raised by the lottery helped to cover support staff and transportation costs at charter schools.

Here's how the money raised by the lottery was used last year:

Source: Fiscal Research Division of the N.C. General Assembly

History of How Lottery Funds Are Used

Each year in the state budget, the legislature can adjust which education programs receive money raised by the lottery. Here is an overview of how that use has changed over time.

History of Lottery Fund Assignment

Efficiently Earning Money for Education

Operating efficiently and effectively helps the lottery raise more money for education. Last year, less than 1% of revenue was spent on salaries and benefits. Visit our Integrity & Transparency page for more information.

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