The West Virginia Lottery Announces Fiscal 2011 Year End Sales Figures and Transfers of $558 Million

Since 1986, the Lottery has generated more than $6.2 Billion for the State of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Lottery had an overall sales increase of 3 percent or $34 million for fiscal year 2011, and transferred an estimated $558 million to the State, according to Lottery Director John Musgrave.

The Lottery generated fiscal year-end sales totaling $1,392,449, 174.  Musgrave attributed much of that increase to strong table games revenues and an increase in instant ticket game sales.  “Table games have performed very well this year, largely due to the introduction of table games at Charles Town Races,” said Musgrave.  Year-to-date fiscal taxes from racetrack table games were up 115 percent over FY 2010.

Musgrave said that in addition to table games, the Lottery celebrated its 25th Anniversary this year with a special $25 Instant ticket game that provided a significant boost to Instant ticket sales during the fiscal year.”  Instant sales totaled $116 million, an increase of 19 percent.

Overall, the Lottery met all of its state obligations and generated a surplus that will return an additional $18 million to the state for legislative appropriations.

Included in the $558 million transfer to state programs for FY 2011 was $73.28 million for senior citizens, $225.75 million for education, $12.27 million for the promotion of tourism, $127.9 million to the State’s General Fund for expenses that include education and health and human services, $40 million for the Infrastructure Council, and $78.7 million to other state agencies, including $29 million for PROMISE scholarships.

Musgrave said that since revenue from Limited Video Lottery began funding PROMISE Scholarships in 2002, more than 225 million has benefited West Virginia high school graduates attending colleges and universities in West Virginia.

The Lottery generated nearly $1.4 Billion in sales during FY 2011, while holding operating costs to under 2.17 percent and during its 25- year history has generated more than $6.2 billion for state programs.