News writer
Last week, Virginia announced its highest Mega Millions jackpot winner. Thanks in part to the win, the state lottery is earning its second-highest profit ever for the fiscal year 2025, while sales reached a new record. Funds will go toward state schools.
Record earnings
The Virginia Lottery raked in $901 million in profit during the fiscal year 2025. This marks the second-highest profit the Lottery has seen in its 37-year existence, according to a press release. The highest profits came in 2024 at $934.1 million.
The announcement comes after a player won $348 million in Mega Millions in Burgess, Virginia, which gave state profits a boost. It's the highest Mega Millions jackpot ever won in the state.
Ticket sales in the state reached an all-time record of more than $5.7 billion.'
Where the money goes
About $4.5 billion of the sales will be given to lottery winners as prize money. Roughly $228 million goes to operating expenses. About 78 cents for every dollar spent on Virginia lottery games goes back to the state as profit, equaling $901 million.
Players bought their tickets at one of more than 5,300 businesses across the state, which received $127.9 million in commission. They can also purchase tickets online.
Profits go toward Virginia's public schools, which has been the tradition since 1999.
On August 4, Virginia Lottery Executive Director Khalid Jones presented a big ceremonial check to Gov. Glenn Youngkin, according to the press release. Khalid stated:
This check represents the unwavering commitment of every Lottery employee to our mission of supporting K-12 public education, one play at a time. We are proud that the Lottery has once again delivered exceptional results for the Commonwealth.
Gov. Youngkin added:
This $901 million contribution from Virginia Lottery profits is a powerful testament to our steadfast commitment to investing in the future of every student. Every dollar generated through the Lottery directly supports the teachers, schools, and programs shaping the next generation of Virginians, reinforcing our promise to provide a world-class education. This vital source of funding represents nearly 10% of our K-12 education budget to ensure that classrooms across Virginia have the resources they need to foster learning, innovation, and opportunity.
The Mega Millions win
A lucky player purchased a Mega Millions ticket for the June 27 draw at the E&C Midatlantic in Burgess, Virginia, and won a $348 million jackpot with a cash value of $155.5 million. They'd picked the numbers 8-21-29-42-50, with Mega Ball 2.
This marks the tenth time someone has won Mega Millions in Virginia since the game's inception 23 years ago, but this is by far the most valuable prize. The winner has until September 25 of this year to claim their win. They should mail their ticket to Virginia Lottery Claims, P.O. Box 1254, Richmond, VA 23218-1254.
The Lottery suggests that winners use certified or registered mail, write their full name and address on the envelope, and write their Social Security Number on the back of the ticket.
If the prize goes unclaimed, it goes to Virginia schools, too.
Comments