A report from the Arkansas Lottery for the month of November shows that its revenue for the month increased some $11.4 million, almost 20%, over last year for a total of $58.5 million. The current revenue for the 2023 fiscal year stands at $252.2 million, approximately a 5% increase over the same period last year at $238 million.
The report shows in-person instant sales generating the largest segment of this revenue at $40.4 million, more than double the revenue of online ticket sales at $18 million. The remaining revenue comes in the form of retailer application, bond, fidelity and service fees at $48,280.
A county-by-county sales report showed the instant settlements brought the most revenue, followed by Powerball’s record high $2 billion jackpot that generated over $11 million for Arkansas. The report also showed that Pulaski County was responsible for by far the highest lottery sales with $11.2 million, as compared to the next highest, Washington County, with $2.7 million.
So far this year, $10.6 million of November’s revenue was transferred to the Lottery Scholarship Trust Account for a total of $46.9 million, with projected totals of $535.9 in revenue and $91.4 for scholarships for the 2023 fiscal year. Despite the growth of November over last year, these projections fall short of totals in 2022 and 2021, the two years with the highest revenue and scholarship funds.
Lastly, the report noted no less than $1.47 million in unclaimed lottery prize money for the month and a year-to-date total of $4.22 million for the fiscal year to date, serving as a reminder to keep better track of your tickets. Those lost and forgotten lottery tickets will not entirely go to waste, however, as all unclaimed winnings have been reserved for future prizes, promotions or reserves for the Office of the Arkansas Lottery.
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