KENTUCKY — The Kentucky Lottery announced Monday that its sales and proceeds numbers for Fiscal Year 2021 shattered previous records. For FY21, the lottery announced $1,586,325,000 in total sales. That number is a 31.8% increase from the previous year, with $382.9 million in additional sales over FY20, according to the lottery.

In addition, the Kentucky Lottery's proceeds to the Commonwealth totaled $354.8 million — $76.3 million, or 27.4%, more than last year. These proceeds fund different college scholarships and grant programs, like the KEES scholarship.

The lottery said scratch-off tickets were once again the largest individual game category, finishing the year at $961.7 million. That's a 29.8% increase over last year.

The largest percentage growth category for the year was the lottery’s internet sales.

"Even though the sales channel has seen steady growth over the past six years since it was launched, Kentucky Lottery President and CEO Mary Harville said consumers discovered the platform during the pandemic and have stayed there to play," said a release from the Kentucky Lottery. "Sales via this outlet finished FY21 at $137.1 million, an increase of $92.1 million or 204.6%. Internet sales for the year comprised 9% of total Kentucky Lottery sales."

The multi-state Powerball and Mega Millions games both saw rebounds in FY21 after declining sales last year, the lottery said. Daily draw games and Keno also saw rising sales.

Harville, who assumed her role in September of 2020, believes sales took off when people were looking for forms of entertainment during the pandemic.

“Early on, so many businesses and entertainment options were initially closed or extremely limited,” she said. “The only retail outlets open were essential retailers, including convenience stores and grocery stores. That’s where the overwhelming majority of our tickets are sold.”

She added, “I think during that period people re-discovered our games. They found they enjoyed playing — and kept playing. And now that things have reopened, players have stayed with us. Players say the number one reason why they are now buying tickets is that they’re looking for fun and entertainment. With a range of price points and game styles, and with increased awareness of our internet sales, we have something for everyone.”

“The entire board is so pleased at the amazing growth the Lottery exhibited in FY21,” said Board of Directors Chairman Mark Sommer. “To continue to set and break records like this in the face of the most challenging of circumstances is nothing short of remarkable. We appreciate and commend the hard and very effective teamwork of our staff and Lottery retailers to make this happen.”

The Kentucky Lottery said sales are expected to remain steady through the upcoming fiscal year. Last month, the lottery's Board of Directors approved the FY22 budget, which calls for $1.59 billion in sales with budgeted income before transfer of dividends of $339.5 million.

“With what we were able to accomplish last year, everybody won,” Harville said. “The Commonwealth and students won thanks to record-breaking proceeds we returned to the state. Our players won through prize levels never seen before, and our retailers won through the largest payments to retailers in our history. We’re on track for a solid performance in the new fiscal year, and look forward to another all-around winning effort.”