$11.2 Million in Proceeds Raised for Nebraska Lottery Beneficiaries
The Nebraska Lottery recently distributed among its beneficiary funds $11,246,604, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales for the previous three months.
A total of $693,917,786 has been distributed in quarterly transfers since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993. The latest transfer, made the week of June 29, was distributed among beneficiaries in the following manner:
Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $5,004,739;
Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund,$5,004,739;
Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund,$1,124,660; and
Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund,$112,466.
With the June transfer, the total amount distributed to Lottery beneficiaries during the current fiscal year is $45.2 million. This is the largest yearly transfer amount in the Lottery’s 25-year history. Strong Scratch ticket sales, the addition of the Lucky for Life Lotto game, and extended jackpot runs for the Powerball and Mega Millions games contributed to the increased transfer amount.
Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent) - currently distributed to the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).
The funds' respective totals to date are:
Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $38,059,858;
Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund,$294,751,180;
Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund,$46,694,255; and
Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund,$15,799,179.
Prior to July 1, 2016, the Education Innovation Fund received proceeds totaling $174,222,842, and the Nebraska Opportunity Grand Fund received proceeds totaling $100,929,476.
Prior to July 1, 1997, the Solid Waste Landfill Closure Assistance Fund received proceeds totaling $18,460,996. In 2004, the Legislature directed that a one-time transfer of $5 million be made to the State General Fund.
Criteria for proceeds distribution are established by the beneficiary funds in accordance with legislative mandates. Every county in Nebraska has received service through grants funded with Nebraska Lottery proceeds.
Published on 06/28/2018