What are some interesting statistics about the Maryland Lottery?

The Maryland Lottery, established in 1973, has become a cornerstone of state revenue generation and public funding over its more than 50 years of operation.

In this lottery post, we explore various compelling statistics about the Maryland Lottery: historical and recent sales figures, contributions to state programs, per capita performance, game offerings and innovations, probability insights, and broader impacts. All data are drawn from official reports to ensure accuracy and reliability, and this post includes a backlink for readers to easily check the latest Maryland lottery winning numbers on LotteryCoast.com.

Overall Sales and Contributions

Over the decades, the Maryland Lottery has generated substantial revenue for the state. In Fiscal Year 2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024), the Maryland Lottery and Gaming enterprises—including the Lottery, casinos, sports wagering, and fantasy sports—contributed a combined $1.585 billion to Maryland’s good causes, marking the second-largest single-year transfer in agency history. Specifically, the Lottery’s direct contribution to the state in FY2024 was $699.6 million. This demonstrates the Lottery’s continued role as a stable revenue source even amid changing market dynamics.

When looking at cumulative contributions since inception, the Maryland Lottery has generated tens of billions in sales and contributed billions to education, public health, safety, and other vital programs. For example, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report indicates that overall Lottery contributions “since inception to date” amount to a significant multi-billion total.

Per Capita Performance

Maryland consistently ranks among the top U.S. lotteries in per capita sales. In Fiscal Year 2024, Maryland’s per capita lottery sales remained high relative to other states, reflecting strong player engagement and market penetration. Historically, as of FY2021, Maryland ranked fourth in per capita lottery sales among U.S. lotteries, underscoring the Lottery’s popularity across demographic groups.

Game Offerings and Innovations

Maryland Lottery maintains a diverse portfolio of games to sustain player interest:

• Daily Draw Games: Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5 remain staples, with midday and evening drawings seven days a week.
  
• New Draw Launches: Cash Pop launched on May 6, 2024, as Maryland’s newest daily draw game with four drawings per day (9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m.) and prize opportunities up to $2,500 per play.
  
• Multi-State Jackpots: Maryland participates in large multi-state games such as Powerball and Mega Millions, offering large jackpot potential.
  
• Other Draw Games: Bonus Match 5, Multi-Match, Cash4Life, and additional variations provide a range of jackpot sizes and prize structures.
  
• Instant Games: Hundreds of scratch-off tickets with varying price points and prize levels are released annually—typically dozens of new scratch-off titles each year—to keep the instant-play segment vibrant.
  
• Fast Play / Instant-Draw: These games offer immediate results at the terminal and supplement traditional scratch-offs.
  

Frequent game updates and the introduction of titles like Cash Pop are designed to maintain engagement and cater to varied player preferences.

Odds and Probability Insights

Understanding odds is crucial for informed play:

• Pick 3 / Pick 4 / Pick 5: These local daily games offer relatively higher chances of winning smaller prizes compared to large-jackpot games. For example, Pick 3’s exact match odds are 1 in 1,000; Pick 4 and Pick 5 odds vary according to play type and match requirements.
  
• Cash Pop: Odds depend on the number of POPs chosen and wager amount; detailed odds and prize structures are available in the Cash Pop rules.
  
• Powerball / Mega Millions: Jackpot odds remain long (e.g., Powerball ~1 in 292 million; Mega Millions ~1 in 302 million), with better odds for smaller-tier prizes. These odds align with multi-state norms.
  
• Other Draw Games: Odds vary by game design; for example, Bonus Match 5 and Multi-Match have their own prize tiers and corresponding probabilities.
  

Players are encouraged to review official game-specific probability tables published by Maryland Lottery and Gaming for precise figures. Even with favourable small-prize odds, the expectation remains negative in the long run; understanding probabilities supports responsible budgeting and expectation setting.

Impact on State Programs

A defining feature of the Maryland Lottery is its dedication to funding state programs:

• Education Funding: A large portion of Lottery contributions flows into the General Fund, which then allocates resources to public education initiatives. In FY2024, Lottery contributions of $699.6 million significantly bolstered state education budgets.
  
• Public Health and Safety: Lottery revenues also support health services, public safety, social services, and problem gambling programs. By statute, certain assessments (e.g., from casinos) and proceeds contribute to the Problem Gambling Fund to promote responsible play.
  
• Specialized Funds: Certain game proceeds or related assessments may go to targeted funds such as veterans’ programs or specific community initiatives.
  
• Combined Gaming Impact: The combined contributions from Lottery, casinos, sports wagering, and fantasy sports in FY2024 totalled $1.585 billion, benefiting a broad spectrum of state priorities beyond education, including infrastructure, public health, and safety initiatives.
  

These contributions underscore the Lottery’s role as a key revenue stream for Maryland’s socioeconomic programs.

Historical Milestones and Records

• Record Sales and Transfers: In Fiscal Year 2021, Maryland Lottery sales reached $2.611 billion despite pandemic challenges, setting records for per capita engagement.
  
• Second-Largest Transfer in FY2024: The $1.585 billion combined contribution in FY2024 marked the second-highest single-year total in the agency’s history, just shy of the FY2023 record by a narrow margin.
  
• Game Launches Over Time: Since 1973, the Lottery has expanded from traditional draw games to incorporate new offerings—Pick 5 was added in 2022, Cash Pop in 2024—demonstrating ongoing innovation.
  
• Growth in Instant Games: Scratch-off ticket portfolios have grown substantially, reflecting consumer appetite for immediate-play experiences; annual releases often exceed 50 new scratch-off titles.
  

Tracking these milestones helps contextualize how the Maryland Lottery has evolved to meet changing player preferences while supporting state needs.

Integration with Other Gaming Sectors

While the Lottery remains distinct, it operates within a broader gaming ecosystem governed by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency:

• Sports Wagering: Launched in December 2021, sports wagering has quickly become a meaningful contributor. For example, in recent fiscal years, sports wagering contributions to education funds have reached tens of millions annually.
  
• Casino Gaming: Six state casinos generate assessments and taxes that complement Lottery proceeds in funding state priorities.
  
• Daily Fantasy Sports: Together with other gaming channels, these activities contribute to the total $1.585 billion in FY2024, reinforcing the diversified revenue base for Maryland’s good causes.
  

This integrated approach enhances revenue stability and spreads funding across multiple entertainment segments.

How to Check Results

For players seeking quick verification of their numbers and prize status:

• Official Maryland Lottery Channels: The official Maryland Lottery website and mobile app provide up-to-date draw results for Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, Cash Pop, and other games.
  
• Notification Services: Many platforms and apps offer alerts for Maryland lottery winning numbers as soon as results are available.
  
• LotteryCoast.com Resource: To conveniently view the latest Maryland lottery winning numbers and detailed lottery results, visit Maryland lottery winning numbers on LotteryCoast.com. This resource aggregates and displays current and past draw data in an accessible format, saving players time and effort.
  

Player Tips and Responsible Play

1. Understand the Odds: Familiarize yourself with game-specific odds to set realistic expectations and manage your budget effectively.
   
2. Set a Budget: Allocate only discretionary funds for lottery play and avoid chasing losses.
   
3. Use Alerts and Tools: Sign up for notification services or check resources like LotteryCoast.com to promptly verify results and avoid missing prizes.
   
4. Stay Informed on Game Changes: Track announcements of new game launches (e.g., Cash Pop in May 2024) or modifications to prize structures, so you can decide which games align with your risk preference.
   
5. Responsible Gaming Resources: If you or someone you know needs help, Maryland provides problem gambling resources funded in part by Lottery-related contributions.
   

The Maryland Lottery’s enduring presence since 1973 underscores its significant role in both entertainment and public funding. With more than $1.5 billion in contributions in FY2024 alone, a diverse game portfolio including daily draws and scratch-offs, and consistent per capita engagement, the Lottery remains a vital contributor to education, health, safety, and other state priorities. By understanding sales trends, game odds, and funding impacts, players can make informed choices and access draw results efficiently through resources such as LotteryCoast.com. This lottery post aims to provide a comprehensive statistical overview, supporting both casual readers and dedicated players in Maryland’s vibrant lottery environment.