Lottery profits, casino contributions to Maryland both reach all-time highs
The Maryland Lottery and the state’s six casinos combined to deliver a record-breaking total of more than $1.391 billion in funding for vital state programs and services in Fiscal Year 2021. The Maryland Lottery shattered its previous profit record by 12.5%, while the casinos generated a record-setting contribution to the state despite operating at limited capacity for more than eight months of FY2021 due to COVID-19.
The combined total of Lottery and casino contributions to the state beat the previous record of $1.311 billion in FY2019 by $80 million (6.1%).
Lottery sales reached a new record of $2.611 billion, surpassing the previous mark set in FY2019 by $414 million (18.8%). Profits from the sale of Lottery tickets contributed $667.4 million to state programs, easily outdistancing the previous record of $593.1 million in FY2019.
The casinos generated $1.746 billion in gaming revenue and contributed $723.5 million to the state, a 0.8% increase from the previous record for state contributions set in FY2019.
“It’s exciting to set records, but the achievement we’re most proud of is that we remain a vital source of revenue that supports the people of Maryland,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin. “Our staff is mindful of that goal every day, and we appreciate the hard work on the part of our Lottery retailers and casino partners. It’s truly a team effort.”
Traditional Lottery
The new sales record propelled numerous Lottery records in addition to the all-time profit mark. Among the new all-time highs:
- Lottery players won more than $1.657 billion in prizes, beating the previous record by $295 million (21.7%). Lottery players won an average of $4.5 million per day.
- Retailer commissions totaled $197.2 million, eclipsing the previous record by $31.7 million (19.2%). Commissions averaged $45,000 per retailer.
- Scratch-off ticket sales set a record for the seventh consecutive year, totaling $993.4 million, breaking the previous record by $140.7 million (16.5%)
Casinos
Casino gaming revenue contributed $531.4 million for the Maryland Education Trust Fund. FY2021 casino gaming revenue also supported:
- Local aid to communities and jurisdictions where the casinos are located: $92.2 million
- Maryland’s horse racing industry: $78.8 million
- Maryland’s Small, Minority and Women-owned Business Fund: $17.0 million
- Responsible gambling programs, including cost-free assessment and treatment services for Maryland residents: $4.1 million
From its inception in 1973 through FY2021, the Maryland Lottery has contributed more than $17.9 billion to state programs and services and has paid more than $29.8 billion in prizes to players. Through FY2021, Maryland’s casino program, which began in September 2010, generated more than $11.8 billion in total gaming revenue and contributed more than $5.3 billion to the state, including nearly $4 billion to the Education Trust Fund.
FY2021 details by Lottery game and by casino are available on the fiscal year summary here.
Maryland Lottery and Gaming operates the Maryland Lottery and is responsible for regulatory oversight of the state’s casinos. To keep Marylanders informed and promote integrity and transparency, Maryland Lottery and Gaming posts monthly financial reports on casino revenue at mdgaming.com, along with annual fiscal year data. For more information on all Lottery products, promotions and news, visit mdlottery.com. Maryland Lottery and Gaming reminds players to play responsibly and within their budget; resources are available at mdgamblinghelp.org or by calling 1-800-426-2537.
