RALEIGH, NC — The North Carolina Education Lottery is celebrating its 20th anniversary after generating a record $1.14 billion for public education during fiscal year 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year the lottery has contributed more than $1 billion to schools across the state.
Based on unofficial results, the lottery has now provided more than $13.4 billion for North Carolina education programs since ticket sales began in 2006.
Lottery Executive Director Mark Michalko said the record-setting funding continues to make a lasting impact on students and communities statewide.
“For 20 years now, the lottery has proven to be a strong partner for our state’s schools,” Michalko said. “These are the stories that drive us every day.”
The N.C. Education Lottery also set a new sales record in fiscal year 2026, generating $7.1 billion in ticket sales and awarding more than $5.5 billion in prizes to players. North Carolina remains the only lottery in the nation to increase sales every year since its launch.
Lottery proceeds help fund school construction, school support staff, transportation, NC Pre-K, and college scholarships. Since fiscal year 2026 began, communities across North Carolina have celebrated 15 school construction milestones, including groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, and new school openings.
Wayne County Benefits
According to the lottery, Wayne County received $7,841,605 for education programs during Fiscal Year 2025.
That funding included:
- $4,356,094 to support school staff, including custodians, office assistants, and substitute teachers.
- $1,725,001 for school construction, repairs, and renovations.
- $1,111,757 for NC Pre-K, providing free preschool opportunities for 234 at-risk children.
- $435,234 for college scholarships, helping fund 1,761 scholarships for Wayne County students.
- $213,519 for school transportation, including bus driver salaries, fuel, and maintenance.
Since the lottery began in 2006, Wayne County has received more than $163.4 million in lottery funding for education. In addition, the county has been awarded more than $28.6 million through the state’s Needs-Based School Construction Grant program to address critical school facility needs.
Lottery officials noted that the fiscal year 2026 figures are unofficial and will be finalized when the agency releases its annual report later this fall.
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