South Carolina Lottery Delivers $606.8 Million for Education in Fiscal Year 2026

The South Carolina Education Lottery is celebrating another huge milestone, contributing $606.8 million to education during Fiscal Year 2026. It's the second-highest annual transfer in the Lottery's history, falling just short of the record $607.6 million set in 2021.

Since launching in 2002, the Lottery has now provided an impressive $9.5 billion to support education across South Carolina.

According to Lottery CEO Dolly Garfield, Lottery players help generate more than $1.5 million every day for education. She also noted that this year's outstanding performance sets the stage for the Lottery's 25th Anniversary celebration coming up in January.

What drove this year's success?

• First year of debit card ticket sales
• Strong demand for $20 scratch-off games
• Upgraded ticket displays at retail locations
• Two Powerball® jackpots that climbed above $1 billion

Fiscal Year 2026 was also a big win for players and retailers. Lottery winners claimed more than $1.6 billion in prizes, while retail partners earned over $175 million in commissions.

SC Lottery Commission Chairman Sam Litchfield praised the Lottery's continued success, saying these funds help strengthen education and make South Carolina an even better place to live and learn.

Lottery proceeds are deposited into the Education Lottery Account, where the South Carolina General Assembly allocates funding for college scholarships and grants, K-12 public schools, and community education programs throughout the state.