Winning for Education

So far, the fun of playing lottery games has raised more than $10 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.

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, 13,449 children across the state received a free, academic pre-school experience last year.

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 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.

College Scholarships and Grants

Money raised by the lottery helps make dreams of college become reality. The money provides scholarships and grants based on financial need to help students cover the costs of attending a state university or community college in North Carolina. A second way that the lottery helps make college affordable is through the UNC Need-Based Grant Program. Fill out a FAFSA for your chance at a scholarship or grant.

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.

Needs-Based School Construction

In 2017, legislators increased funding for school construction by adopting a needs-based grant program. The program uses lottery dollars to help smaller counties with critical building needs to build new schools and renovate older ones. Last year, over $337 million of money raised by the lottery helped 30 counties meet their school construction needs.

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, counties received over $21 million to help cover the cost of school transportation. Local officials decide the best use of the funds the county receives.

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. Over time, lottery funds have been directed by legislators to support different education programs, including paying for the salaries of teachers and teacher assistants and digital learning initiatives. While there might be different opinions on the best use of money raised by the lottery, that does not mean the way it is used today isn’t doing a lot of good.

Supporting Charter Schools Too!

Last year, $39.8 million raised by the lottery helped to cover 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.

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the winning numbers posted on this website are accurate; however, no valid claim may be based on information contained herein. In the event of a discrepancy between the numbers posted on this website and the official winning numbers, the official winning numbers as certified by the Multi-State Lottery Association and/or the NCEL shall control. All materials on this Website are owned by or licensed to the NCEL. Materials on this Website may not be modified in any way or reproduced or publicly displayed, performed or distributed or otherwise used for any public or commercial purpose without the express written consent of the NCEL. Copyright © 2006-2025. The North Carolina Education Lottery. All rights reserved. Play Smart™ term is a service mark of the Illinois Lottery licensed to the NCEL.

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