WASHINGTON, D.C.—The D.C. Lottery, in collaboration with lotteries across North America, has declared the week of July 17th as the fourth annual observance of Lottery Week. This seven-day celebration of lotteries across the United States and Canada, acknowledges their collective contributions to the communities they serve.

“This year, D.C. Lottery commemorates 40 years of providing innovative lottery products and now, exciting sports betting experiences in the District of Columbia. During Lottery Week, we highlight our continued impact on the vitality of the city,” said Executive Director Frank Suarez.

Since the sale of its first lottery ticket in 1982, the D.C. Lottery has contributed more than $2.22 billion to the District of Columbia’s General Fund in support of essential city services.

Lottery proceeds fund different programs according to each jurisdiction’s guidelines and are dedicated to a variety of causes, including education, the environment, health care, capital construction projects, programs for seniors, cultural activities and more.

According to the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, on average, about 95% of funds generated from traditional U.S. lottery games goes directly back into the economy through prizes, public beneficiaries and retailer commissions. While individual jurisdictions vary across the industry, it is estimated that lotteries return an average of 65% in prizes to players, 24% to public beneficiaries and 6.2% to retailer commissions. The remainder supports lottery operations, providing direct and indirect employment and other benefits.

Locally, D.C. Lottery has awarded more than $4.2 billion in prizes to players. In partnering with the city’s business community, D.C. Lottery retailers have collectively received more than $420 million in commissions from the sale of D.C. Lottery games. Additionally, nonprofits in the District of Columbia have raised more than $134 million in support of charitable causes through fundraising efforts licensed by the D.C. Lottery’s Charitable Games program.

But there’s more, beyond the numbers. Lottery organizations and their partners are often involved in directly supporting local causes by hosting events like food drives and community cleanups. They team up with responsible gambling groups to educate their retailers and consumers, to help encourage safe, responsible play. And, of course, they provide a fun, exciting source of entertainment for all their players – not to mention a big payout for the lucky winners.

The goal of Lottery Week is to highlight these positive impacts that lotteries make and recognize the important role lotteries play in their jurisdictions.

Director Suarez asserted, “With 40 years in the game, the D.C. Lottery understands that every play counts. There’s much to celebrate in D.C. during Lottery Week and beyond. We invite players to join us on the journey to 40 more.”

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Since its inception in 1982, the DC Lottery has awarded more than $4.2 billion in prizes, transferred more than $2.22 billion to the District's General Fund which supports essential services in the District, and has helped local nonprofits raise more than $134 million in support of social causes.