The most important moment in the 30-year history of the Nebraska Lottery

LINCOLN, Neb. (Nebraska Examiner) – The Nebraska Lottery has reached a milestone: the amount of proceeds transferred back to state programs over its 30-year history now exceeds $1 billion.

Announcing the opportunity Tuesday, Nebraska Lottery Director Brian Rockey said his team is proud to be “making a difference” in the state alongside players and retailers.

Rockey said purchasing a lottery ticket supports “good causes” across the state.

“Approximately 25 cents of every dollar spent on lottery products goes to support the environment, education, the Nebraska State Fair and helping people with gambling problems. … Together we are building a better Nebraska,” he said.

In April, total Nebraska Lottery sales (since 1993) were $4 billion.

Proceeds from the sale of Scratch and Lotto tickets have been distributed since the Nebraska Lottery began operations on September 11, 1993. The most recent quarterly transfer of $11,390,517, made during the week of September 30, brings the total amount distributed to $1,002,980,662 .

All 93 Nebraska counties benefited from lottery proceeds by supporting projects such as wildlife habitat restoration, student scholarships, State Fair improvements and aid for gambling addicts, according to a press release.

The Nebraska Environmental Trust runs a competitive grant program for natural resource projects, and the lottery has led to funding for projects that impact soil management, habitats, surface and groundwater and more, said Karl Elmshaeuser, executive director of the trust.

Michael Baumgartner, executive director of the Coordinating Commission on Postsecondary Education, said lottery proceeds helped hundreds of thousands of Nebraska students pay for college.

“College costs are the primary reason individuals do not attend or drop out of college without obtaining a certificate or degree, and financial aid is a lifesaver for many students,” he said.

In 2004, the State Fair was added as a beneficiary fund.

“The Nebraska Lottery gave us the opportunity to provide a safe and convenient event for every Nebraskan to participate in while supporting our state’s agricultural roots and traditions,” said Jaime Parr, executive director.

Parr said raffle proceeds helped cover the costs of new facilities needed to move the fair to Grand Island in 2010.

Lottery proceeds also go to the state’s program to help problem gamblers. The funds enabled counselor training and free counseling services at 30 clinics in 11 cities in Nebraska, said David Geier, director.

“As gambling continues to evolve, Gamblers Assistance will be an essential service for people who experience problems due to unrestricted gambling,” Geier said.

A constitutional amendment passed by Nebraska voters in 2004 established a formula for allocating funds. Breakdown and previous mileage:

Nebraska Environmental Trust, 44.5%, $430.7 million since 1993 (Prior to July 1997, the Solid Waste Landfill Closure Assistance Fund fell into this category and received $18,460,996).
Education in accordance with the legislator’s recommendations – 44.5%; $449.2 million since 1993
Nebraska State Fair, 10%, $77.25 million since 2005.
Aid for problem gamblers, $500,000 plus 1% of remaining income, $22.35 million since 1993.

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