SC Lottery contributes near-record $606.8 million to education. Here’s how
The South Carolina Education Lottery announced on Monday that it amassed one of its largest contributions to education yet.
SC students will see a transfer of $606.8 million in lottery funds for Fiscal Year 2026, the second-largest figure the SC Lottery has generated. As a result, the lottery’s total funding for education has increased to $9.5 billion since its startup in 2002.
This year’s total was just shy of the record transfer of $607.6 million made in 2021.
“On behalf of the Board, we are so pleased with the Lottery’s continued success,” said Sam Litchfield, the Chairman of the SC Lottery Commission. “These funds will ensure that South Carolina is the absolute best state to call home and receive a great education.”
The first year of debit card sales, the popularity of $20 scratch-offs, upgrades to ticket displays at retailers and two Powerball jackpots that topped over a billion dollars all contributed to the Lottery’s near-record year-end results, according to its website.
The SC Lottery is the state-run lottery that is one of the few ways to legally gamble in the Palmetto State. The proceeds generated from playing under the SC Lottery go into the Education Lottery Account, from which the General Assembly allocates money towards public educational programs, classroom resources and merit-based scholarships, such as Palmetto Fellows, S.C. Life and Hope Scholarships.
Additionally, lottery players have won big this year. More than $1.6 billion in prize money has been awarded to lottery winners and lottery retailers earned an excess of $175 million in commissions. And each year, lottery play raises more than $1.5 million for education.
“This year’s outstanding results are a perfect lead in to our 25th Anniversary in January. We have much to celebrate.” said Dolly Garfield, the Lottery’s Chief Executive Officer.
SC Lottery’s scholarships and educational programs have allowed many students to pursue higher education, but at the cost of possibly fueling gambling addiction in the state. According to WalletHub, SC is the 16th most gambling-addicted state, despite the many protections against most forms of gambling, such as sports betting, slot machines and poker.
Warning signs of gambling
Here are some signs that might indicate you’re dealing with a gambling addiction, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling:
- Thinking about gambling all the time
- Feeling the need to bet more money and more often
- Going back to try to win your money back (“chasing losses”)
- Feeling like you can’t control yourself
- Gambling despite negative consequences
If any of these apply to you, the SC Gambling Hotline is always available to call at 1-877-452-5155. SC also has Gambling Addiction Services, which has specialized counselors who can help those experiencing gambling addiction.