Lottery earnings hit $500 million

BOISE - Since 1989, the many dollars wagered on dreams of winning the Idaho Lottery have translated into a big financial payoff for the people of Idaho.

As of Wednesday, the Idaho Lottery reports revenue earnings from sales have returned more than $500 million in dividends to the state.

"Yesterday marked a historic achievement in the success of the Idaho Lottery," stated Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director.

The half-billion dollar mark was passed late Wednesday.

Lottery spokesman David Workman said sales have remained strong during the last few years.

"We have worked hard to manage our portfolio of games and while providing affordable entertainment for our players," Workman said. "Powerball and Mega Millions tickets are still just $1 to play. And of course, having the half of the second largest winning jackpot in U.S. history won in Post Falls has also helped."

Holly Lahti, of Rathdrum, purchased the winning ticket, and claimed her half of the $380-million in January.

The benefit to the people of Idaho from Lahti's win was $9.4 million collected in state income tax.

Idaho Lottery dividends benefit Idaho Public Schools through the Idaho Department of Education's Building Fund Account and Bond Levy Equalization Fund as well as the Department of Administration's Permanent Building Fund.

In addition to the half-billion dollars in dividends distributed to the state, the Idaho Lottery has sold over $2 billion in products, awarded nearly $1.2 billion in prizes to players, and returned more than $117.1 million in retail commissions since its inception 22 years ago.