To The California Lottery was created with a single goal: to public education—without raising taxes. Established through the Lottery Act of 1984, it launched its first game, Scratchers, on October 3, 1985. Since then, the lottery has become a major source of funding for California’s schools and colleges, contributing over $46 billion to education.
Designed to Supplement, Not Replace School Funding
The law that governs the California Lottery makes it clear—lottery proceeds must supplement existing school funding, not replace it. Here’s how each dollar is allocated by law:
- At least 37% goes directly to public education.
- A minimum of 50% is returned to players as prizes.
- No more than 13% covers istrative and operational costs.
The California Lottery is self-sustaining, covering all its expenses through game sales—not public tax dollars.
California Lottery Games
With a wide range of options, the California Lottery appeals to casual players and jackpot chasers alike. Current games include:
- Powerball and Mega Millions – National jackpot games with enormous prizes.
- SuperLotto Plus – California’s very own jackpot game.
- Fantasy 5, Daily 3, Daily 4, Daily Derby – Fast-paced daily draws with flexible play options.
- Hot Spot – A rapid-draw game for frequent players.
- Scratchers – Instant-win games available in a variety of styles and price points.
Impact on California Schools and Communities
The impact of the California Lottery is easy to measure: 95 cents of every dollar spent on lottery games goes back to the community—through education funding, prize payouts, and retailer commissions.
Funds are used by K-12 schools, community colleges, CSU and UC campuses, and specialized education programs. From new textbooks and technology to upgraded classrooms, lottery funds help create better learning environments across the state.
Although the lottery is a public agency, it operates independently—no tax dollars are used to run games, pay staff, or distribute prizes.
California Lottery in 2025 & Beyond
In 2025, the California Lottery continues to deliver on its mission: to give back to education while offering players entertaining and responsible gaming experiences. Whether you're chasing a jackpot or enjoying a quick Scratchers break, you’re helping California’s schools thrive.
View the latest California Lottery winning numbers and explore your favorite games today—right here on lotterycorner.com.
For details of California lottery and latest news visit California Lottery Official Website
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