Politics
Politics

Georgia lottery sales dip, but a little more goes to HOPE, pre-K

Ben Gray / bgray@ajc.com
Ben Gray / bgray@ajc.com
By James Salzer
July 19, 2017

Georgia Lottery ticket sales declined about $29 million during the recently completed fiscal 2017, but the amount of money sent to school programs increased slightly.

The lottery sold $4.218 billion in tickets in fiscal 2017, which ended June 30, compared to $4.247 billion the previous year.

Lottery officials said sales figures in 2016 were helped by a world-record $1.6 billion jackpot and an extra day of sales, since it was a leap year.

Ticket sales have only been down a few years since the games were started in 1993. Ticket sales pay for HOPE scholarships and pre-kindergarten classes.

The lottery transferred $1.101 billion to those programs during fiscal 2017, up slightly from the $1.097 billion going to education the previous year.

For more on whether the slight increase will satisfy state lawmakers, check out our story on myajc.com

About the Author

James Salzer has covered state government and politics in Georgia since 1990. He previously covered politics and government in Texas and Florida. He specializes in government finance, budgets, taxes, campaign finance, ethics and legislative history

Follow James Salzer on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene leaves her office in the Rayburn House Office Building on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Over the last week, Greene was largely quiet as she considered her next steps. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Credit: Getty Images

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s exit opens new political unknown in Georgia

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is walking away from Washington. What comes next for her — and for Georgia politics — is suddenly wide open.

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s path, MAGA powerhouse to sudden resignation announcement

What to know about the rise and resignation of Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green.

Marjorie Taylor Greene says she is resigning from Congress

The Rome Republican recently became the latest target of President Donald Trump’s ire.

The Latest

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene leaves her office in the Rayburn House Office Building on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Over the last week, Greene was largely quiet as she considered her next steps. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Credit: Getty Images

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s exit opens new political unknown in Georgia

OPINION

Jason Esteves looks to break out of crowded Democratic field for governor

Marjorie Taylor Greene says she is resigning from Congress

Featured

Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez

‘Worst nightmares come true.’ Atlanta confronts shift in homelessness funding.

Trump’s overhaul threatens permanent housing for an estimated 600 Atlanta households and 170,000 people nationwide, advocates warn.

Microsoft’s newest AI ‘superfactory’ opens at sprawling Fayetteville campus

One of the largest data center campuses under construction in Georgia has its first operational tenant, and it’s one of the most recognizable names in technology.

Atlanta officials quietly rebrand city’s DEI office

The city of Atlanta office overseeing diversity, equity and inclusion is getting a rebrand amid assaults at the federal level on such initiatives.