The Idaho Lottery delivered a record dividend of $90 million to the state for fiscal year 2026, a sum officials say is the largest annual payout in the agency’s 37-year history. Gov. Brad Little accepted the oversized check Wednesday during a ceremony held in the Idaho State Capitol rotunda in Boise.
Sales surge drove the payout
Lottery leaders attributed the historic return to the agency’s strongest sales year on record. Total sales climbed to $451 million, a roughly 12.5% increase from the previous fiscal year. Officials pointed to two Powerball jackpots that exceeded $1 billion — including what the lottery called the second-largest jackpot in world history — as key drivers, alongside a 5% rise in Scratch Games sales.
"Our Idaho Lottery has done exceptional work this year," Gov. Brad Little said.
The dividend represents a 20% increase over last year’s return, with this year’s payment topping the prior record by $15 million. By state law, lottery dividends are divided between public schools and the Permanent Building Fund.
Where the money goes
Officials presented the Idaho Department of Education with the larger share during the ceremony. The distribution for fiscal 2026 is:
| Recipient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Idaho Department of Education (public schools) | $56.25 million |
| Permanent Building Fund | $33.75 million |
Since the lottery began in 1989, officials said the agency has contributed more than $836 million to support public education across Idaho.
"This generous annual gift from the Idaho Lottery is more than just a big number on a big check," Superintendent Debbie Critchfield said. "I'm grateful to the Idaho Lottery Commission for its continued investment in Idaho's schools, students and future."
Classroom impact and community programs
Beyond the dividend, the Idaho Lottery highlighted the role of its VIP Club, whose members can donate reward points to support school projects. That program funded 592 school programs and projects this year, totaling $417,500. The grants went toward initiatives such as elementary school libraries, classroom projects and specialized learning spaces.
- Record sales and jackpots pushed total receipts to $451 million.
- Dividend split: $56.25 million to public schools, $33.75 million to building fund.
- VIP Club supported 592 school projects with $417,500 in donated points.
For Idaho communities, the dividend is not just a headline figure: the money sent to the Department of Education flows into programs and resources relied on by districts statewide. The Permanent Building Fund share supports state-owned building purchases, construction and maintenance — areas that affect long-term infrastructure and can reduce pressure on general fund spending.
As state leaders accept the check and districts prepare budgets for the coming year, the lottery’s record performance underscores how large-scale jackpots and steady retail game sales can translate into tangible support for education and public facilities across Idaho.
