the Nebraska Lottery announced a significant milestone in its 30-year history: transferring over $1 billion in proceeds back to Nebraska since 1993.
“When you buy a Nebraska Lottery ticket, you’re supporting good causes all across our state,” said Brian Rockey, Nebraska Lottery Director. “Around 25 cents of every dollar spent on lottery products goes to support the environment, education, the Nebraska State Fair, and problem gamblers assistance. We are extremely proud of our record of making a difference in Nebraska along with our players and retailers. Together we’re Building a Better Nebraska.”
Lottery proceeds from the sale of Scratch and Lotto tickets have been distributed in quarterly transfers since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993. The latest transfer of $11,390,517, made the week of September 30, brought the total transferred to $1,002,980,662.
All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds. Projects supported with lottery proceeds include restoring habitat for wildlife, grants for Nebraska college students, improvements at the Nebraska State Fair, and help for Nebraskans dealing with gambling addiction.
The Nebraska Environmental Trust operates a competitive grant program for natural resources projects. “Since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993, over $430 million has been allocated by the Nebraska State Constitution to the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) for projects that impact Habitat, Surface and Ground Water, Waste Management, Air Quality, and Soil Management in Nebraska,” said Karl Elmshaeuser, Executive Director of the Nebraska Environmental Trust. “The NET continues to manage the public funds entrusted to it, to benefit the citizens of Nebraska and the natural environment in which we live.”
The Nebraska Opportunity Grant program receives the largest share of lottery proceeds for education. “College costs are the number one reason given by people who don’t attend college or dropout without completing a certificate or a degree, and financial aid is a lifeline for many students,” said Dr. Michael Baumgartner, Executive Director of the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. “Nebraska Lottery proceeds distributed to the Nebraska Opportunity Grant program have helped hundreds of thousands of Nebraska students pay for their college education over the past three decades, benefitting them, their families, and all Nebraskans.”
The Nebraska State Fair was added as a Lottery beneficiary fund in 2004. “Ag education is embedded in the Nebraska State Fair mission. With tens-of-thousands of Nebraskans showcasing their talents at the event each year, the Nebraska Lottery has given us the opportunity to make a safe and comfortable event for every Nebraskan to attend while also supporting the roots of agriculture and tradition in our state,” said Jaime Parr, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Fair.
“The Nebraska Lottery continues to be a strong and impactful funding mechanism to the Nebraska State Fair which creates opportunities for Nebraskans of all ages to enjoy this 155-year tradition and celebration of our state,” said Parr. “When the State Fair relocated to Grand Island in 2010, the necessary facilities to make that transition were made possible through Nebraska Lottery. The State Fair has grown and adapted each year to meet the wishes of our patrons, thanks to the support provided by the Lottery.”
Free help for Nebraskans dealing with gambling addiction is provided by the Gamblers Assistance Program. “Proceeds transferred to the Gamblers Assistance Program have enabled the program to train counselors in the specialty of addiction to gambling, provide continuing education, and offer free counseling services to Nebraskans and their families at thirty clinics located in eleven towns and cities in Nebraska,” said David Geier, Director of the Nebraska Problem Gamblers Assistance Program. “As gambling continues to expand, Gamblers Assistance will be a vital service for those who experience problems due to unrestrained gambling.”
Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula:
Nebraska Environmental Trust (44.5%)
$430,726,658 since 1993
Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5%)
$449,187,654 since 1993
Nebraska State Fair (10%)
$77,250,544 since 2005
Problem Gamblers Assistance ($500,000 plus 1% of remaining proceeds)
$22,354,810 since 1993
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.
The Nebraska Lottery marked $4 billion in total sales (since 1993) in April 2024.
