Every Missouri lottery ticket sold helps benefit education programs, which could not be accomplished without every lottery retailer throughout the state. Each year, the lottery seeks to recognize the exceptional retail locations that go above and beyond to generate more money for public education.
“The Million Dollar Club is an elite group of all retail locations that sold more than $1 million in lottery tickets during a given year,” said May Scheve Reardon, executive director of the Missouri Lottery. “The 2017 Club is comprised of 67 retailers – the most we’ve ever had!”
One of those retailers is Phil-Mart, 500 S. Main in Salem, which sold more than $1.3 million in Lottery products in 2017, contributing more than $316,000 to public education. In recognition of their achievements, the Missouri Lottery recently hosted an onsite customer appreciation event.
“These events are our way of honoring these dedicated businesses by celebrating with them and their customers,” said Reardon. “We presented Phil-Mart with an official certificate recognizing their achievements, and we featured games for their customers to win prizes.”
To date, lottery sales have generated more than $6 billion for the state and public education programs such as the A+ Scholarship Program and virtual schools, among others. In fiscal year 2017, public education programs in Dent County received more than $293 thousand in funding.
In 1984, more than 70 percent of Missouri voters approved a lottery. Currently, the lottery is the sixth-largest source of state income. Since sales started in 1986, the Missouri Lottery has generated more than $6 billion for the state and public education, and annual lottery proceeds make up approximately four percent of the state’s funding for public education. Lottery players have won more than $14 billion in prizes, and retailers have earned more than $1.35 billion in commissions. Each year, the Lottery generates more than $286 million for vital education programs, including A+ scholarships.
