My View: Breaking down the lottery wagers

Where does your lottery money go? Here's a look at one legislative district's take from state lottery revenues.

By Joyce Pepin

Last update: October 27, 2007 - 4:10 PM

It's hard to believe the Minnesota State Lottery has been in existence for nearly 20 years since winning voter approval in 1988. Perhaps you have even purchased a ticket or two over the years in hopes of winning a big jackpot. But have you ever wondered how much money is collected in our state lottery and where the proceeds are spent?

If you've ever listened to a Minnesota State Lottery commercial, you are probably aware a portion of lottery proceeds go toward environmental programs, specifically the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. But how much, and what about the rest of the proceeds?

I was recently provided with a breakdown of the amount of lottery money spent in District 32A and how much money we contribute to the dedication. All of these numbers cover the 2006 fiscal year.

There are 13 lottery retailers in our district, which includes the cities of Rogers, Dayton, Maple Grove, Otsego, Hanover, Greenfield and Corcoran as well as Hassan Township, and they sold $2,696,687 in gross lottery sales. These retailers earned $164,945 in incentives and commissions, while $1,966,079 in prize money was redeemed in our district.

Lottery sales from our district resulted in a $194,161 contribution to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund; $63,372 to both the Game and Fish Fund and the Natural Resources Fund; and $403,694 to the state's General Fund.

Lottery sales in the whole state were a record $450 million last year, which amounts to about a 10 percent increase over the previous year. This resulted in $32 million for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and $10.6 million each to the Game and Fish Fund and the Natural Resources Fund.

The lottery also sends money to the state that is earmarked for programs to help people fight gambling addiction.

I'd love to get your feedback on the first two decades of the Minnesota State Lottery. Please e-mail me with your thoughts, questions or concerns.

State Rep. Joyce Peppin, R-Rogers, represents House District 32A, which includes Corcoran, Greenfield and western Maple Grove. She can be reached at rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn or 651-296-7806.

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