Lottery Sales Nearly $1.4 Billion

The West Virginia Lottery ended Fiscal Year 2010 on June 30, with sales of nearly $1.4 billion, according to Lottery Director John Musgrave in a report to lottery commission members today in Charleston.

He said the Lottery has completed cash transfers of $521 million earmarked by legislators for programs, including those benefiting veterans, education, senior citizens, parks, tourism, and economic development.

Totals included nearly $84 million from the online games Powerball, Daily3, Daily4, Cash25, Travel Keno, and Mega Millions; more than $97 million from instant scratch tickets; more than $397 million from Limited Video Lottery in bars and taverns; $746 million from video lottery at four West Virginia racetracks; nearly $32 million from table games at the tracks; and $1.6 million from The Greenbrier Historic Resort.

“Traditional” lottery retailers, those who sell instant scratch off games and online games such as Powerball, earned nearly $13 million in commissions and bonuses for the year, while the state's four licensed racetracks and other related entities will receive $415 million. Limited Video Lottery retailers and operators are expected to earn approximately
$195 million in commissions.

Musgrave said the West Virginia Lottery will offer increased competition this year to those operating games across the state’s borders. “With Charles Town Races and The Greenbrier introducing table games July 4, we expect revenue to increase at both locations, which will also affect tourism and economic development.”