The Ohio Lottery reported a $1 billion profit for the second year, bolstered by high sales of two games, Keno and EZPlay QuicKeno.
Ticket sales of $3.05 billion were $59 million less compared to the last fiscal year, according to unaudited numbers for the year. But much of the prior fiscal year's increase was due to a record-setting $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot in January 2016.
Financial details will be presented today at the lottery commission meeting.
By law, all lottery profits go to the Ohio Department of Education's Lottery Profits Education Fund.
The lottery has provided $23.4 billion to the education fund since its inception.
The lottery has been working to boost instant-ticket sales. The scratch-off games are the agency's dominant product, sold at vending machines, convenience stores and other spots. They historically have provided at least half the lottery's sales.
According to the lottery, instant ticket sales of $1.56 billion were $34.4 million lower than last fiscal year.
Revenue from the video lottery terminals at the seven racinos was $310.4 million, an increase of $19.34 million. However, in the prior fiscal year, racino revenue increased $32 million.
Here are sales of the lottery's games for the year ending June 30 and how they compared to the prior year.
Pick 3: $339.5 million, decline of $3.4 million
Pick 4: $201 million, increase of $695,300
Pick 5: $38 million, increase of $1.6 million
Rolling Cash 5: $55.3 million, decline of $4.9 million
Classic Lotto/Kicker: $31 million, decline of $4.6 million
EZPlay: $120 million, increase of $5 million
EZPlay Tab: $30 million, decline of $1.4 million
EZPlay QuicKeno (new): $16.2 million
Keno/booster: $396 million, increase of $30 million
MegaMillions/Megaplier: $93 million, a decrease of $9 million
Powerball/Powerplay: $130 million, a decrease of $64 million
Glad to see Ohio Lottery giving back to Ohio students. A wonderful accomplishment. I can't complain at all.
Wow that's a heck of a lot of money for education.
Anyone ask what it's used for? Or where the money is spent for education?
Hopefully to pay for college tuition for Ohio residents attending Ohio state colleges and universities.
I know a lot of fortunate students who receive scholarships for community colleges and universities. I don't know I guess it's just not a big news topic.