Massachusetts residents once again led the nation in lottery spending per person, according to a recent analysis by LendingTree. In 2024 the average resident bought $904 worth of tickets, outpacing the next‑closest state, Virginia, by 43.5 percent.
Statewide spending and payouts
The Bay State’s lottery sales totaled about $6.46 billion last year. While the per‑person average slipped slightly from $915 in 2023, it remains well above the national average of $323. Across the United States, Americans spent $110.4 billion on lottery tickets in 2024, a modest rise from $109 billion the year before.
Massachusetts players also enjoyed a relatively high return on their tickets. Prizes accounted for 70 % of total lottery spending in the state, the fourth‑highest payout rate among the 45 states that operate a lottery. Virginia led the nation with a 75.9 % payout, while South Dakota recorded the lowest at 19.8 %.
How the profits help local communities
The Massachusetts State Lottery reported an estimated net profit of $1.045 billion for fiscal year 2026, which ended June 30. This marks the sixth consecutive year that lottery profits have topped the $1 billion threshold. Historically, the lottery directs its unrestricted profit to municipalities across the Commonwealth, supporting a variety of local services.
With the launch of online lottery sales on July 27, 2024, the state added a new revenue stream. State officials have pledged that profit from online play will be earmarked for early‑education and child‑care programs, while traditional lottery profit will continue to flow to cities and towns for general municipal needs.
National context and geographic trends
The LendingTree study highlighted a clear east‑west divide in lottery spending. All ten states with the highest per‑capita expenditures sit east of the Mississippi River, whereas the ten lowest‑spending states are located to the west. North Dakota recorded the lowest per‑person spend at $51, and several states—including Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah—do not operate a state lottery at all.
Across the country, average per‑person winnings were $215 in 2024, though LendingTree cautioned that a handful of massive jackpots inflate that figure. The typical player’s winnings are considerably lower.
Methodology note
LendingTree’s analysis combined data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 Annual Survey of State Government Finances with the Census’s 2024 population estimates. Because the Census figures exclude retailer commissions, the analysts added an assumed 5.5 % commission to estimate total ticket sales.
Overall, Massachusetts’ robust lottery participation not only generates significant state revenue but also provides a steady source of funding for local education and child‑care initiatives, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s commitment to strong families and community development.
Original reporting: This Week in Worcester — read the source article.
