Idaho Lottery announces record-breaking year. What does that mean for schools?
The Idaho Lottery returned a $90 million dividend from the 2026 fiscal year for schools and state buildings, representing the largest dividend in the lottery’s history.
In the Capitol rotunda on Wednesday, Gov. Brad Little accepted an oversized paper check that showed the $90 million addressed to the “People of Idaho.”
The dividend exceeded last year’s by about $15 million — a 20% increase.
“Our Idaho Lottery has done exceptional work this year. When working collaboratively, our agencies are able to deliver needed resources and facilities for all citizens of Idaho,” Little said in a news release. “Throughout my time as governor, the Idaho Lottery has steadfastly focused on integrity while providing great benefits to the people of Idaho.”
Dividends from the lottery go toward two funds. Nearly two-thirds — which totaled just over $56 million — goes to the School District Facilities Fund, which helps districts pay off bonds and levies. Districts can use remaining money for other facilities projects. The other portion goes to the Permanent Building Fund for state-owned facilities.
The Idaho Lottery reported record sales this past year, including a 5% increase in Scratch Games and two $1 billion-dollar-plus jackpots on Powerball. Total sales reached $451 million, a 12.5% increase over the previous year. The lottery paid a record $304.2 million to players.
“The Idaho Lottery has done its part — to make the money. The heavier lift is still ahead,” said Craig Corbett, Idaho Lottery Commission chairman.
State officials now must turn those earnings “into schools and buildings for the next generation of Idahoans,” he added.
How much has the lottery returned in past years?
Over the past decade, the Idaho Lottery has returned increasing dividends nearly every year.
In 2017, the lottery returned a dividend of $48.5 million, according to numbers provided to the Statesman. In 2021, the number went up to $72.5 million, and by 2024, it increased to $84 million. After a nearly $10 million drop in 2025, it shot back up to this past year’s $90 million.
The Idaho Lottery has contributed $836.5 million to public schools over its 37-year history, according to a news release.
In addition to the dividend, the Idaho Lottery also contributed to hundreds of school programs and projects — including helping fund libraries, a woodworking shop and a sensory room — through its Do Good programs.
“Here’s an important untold story about Idaho Lottery players. The Idaho Lottery’s VIP Club players have also made significant contributions to Idaho’s schools this year,” Idaho Lottery Director Andrew Arulanandam said. “They have forgone buying purchasable items or entering sweepstakes for personal gain and instead generously donated to our school based, Do Good programs.”
