Yes, California does sell lottery tickets. The California Lottery began in 1984 after California voters passed Proposition 37, which amended the California Constitution to authorize a state-run lottery. The California Lottery is operated by the California State Lottery Commission and provides funding for public education in California.
Brief history of the California Lottery
The California Lottery was created in 1984 when nearly 58% of California voters approved Proposition 37 to amend the state constitution to authorize a lottery. The constitutional amendment allowed for up to 34% of lottery revenue to be paid out as prizes, at least 50% to benefit public education, and no more than 16% for administrative expenses.
The California Lottery began ticket sales on October 3, 1985. The first SuperLotto drawing was held on October 22, 1986. Mega Millions began in 1996, Powerball in 2013, and Scratchers games launched in 2015. Since the lottery began, it has generated more than $105 billion for California public schools.
California Lottery games
The California Lottery offers a variety of draw games and Scratchers instant win games:
Draw games
– SuperLotto Plus: Drawn twice a week on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, with minimum jackpot of $7 million.
– Mega Millions: Played in 45 states plus Washington DC and the US Virgin Islands. Jackpots start at $20 million. Drawings on Tuesdays and Fridays.
– Powerball: Played in 45 states plus Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Jackpots start at $40 million. Drawings on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
– Daily Derby: Pick 3 horse names to match the order of the horses in the actual horse race held daily at Santa Anita Park.
– Daily 3: Pick 3 numbers for drawings twice daily.
– Daily 4: Pick 4 numbers for drawings twice daily.
– Fantasy 5: Pick 5 numbers for drawings 6 nights a week. Jackpot starts at $50,000.
Scratchers
– Instant win scratch-off tickets with top prizes from $50 to $5 million. New Scratchers games are introduced frequently.
Where to buy California Lottery tickets
California Lottery draw game tickets and Scratchers can be purchased at more than 23,000 retail locations across the state, including:
– Grocery stores
– Gas stations
– Convenience stores
– Liquor stores
– Pharmacies
– Big box stores like Walmart and Target
– California Lottery retail locations
You must be 18 or older to purchase lottery tickets in California. Tickets can be purchased using cash or credit/debit cards. Tickets cannot be purchased with EBT cards.
California Lottery proceeds for education
As mandated by law, a minimum of 87 cents of every dollar spent on California Lottery games goes to public education. Since 1985, the lottery has provided over $39 billion to K-12 public schools, community colleges, the California State University, the University of California, and other educational entities.
Lottery funds allocated annually to public education are equal to about 1% of the state’s annual budget for public schools. While a small part of overall education spending, the lottery provides discretionary funds that can be used for instructional materials, technology upgrades, building repairs, and other expenses to supplement state educational funding.
Here is a table summarizing total California Lottery funds given to public education by fiscal year:
Fiscal Year | Amount to Public Education |
---|---|
2021-22 | $1.8 billion |
2020-21 | $1.94 billion |
2019-20 | $1.67 billion |
2018-19 | $1.7 billion |
2017-18 | $1.6 billion |
2016-17 | $1.55 billion |
2015-16 | $1.51 billion |
Responsible play
The California Lottery encourages responsible play and provides resources for gambling addiction assistance. Some key responsible play initiatives include:
– Age limit of 18 years old to purchase lottery tickets
– Voluntary self-exclusion program for players
– Problem gambling helpline and treatment referrals
– Responsible gambling messages on lottery materials and retail terminals
– Prohibition on credit purchases for lottery tickets
The California Council on Problem Gambling operates a 24/7 statewide helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER for resources and help with gambling addiction.
Conclusion
The California Lottery has been operating since 1985 after a statewide vote approved an amendment to the California Constitution allowing a government-run lottery. Today, the California Lottery provides a variety of draw games and Scratchers tickets statewide at over 23,000 retail locations. Lottery proceeds represent about 1% of the annual state education budget, providing supplemental funding for schools. The California Lottery encourages responsible play and offers resources for gambling addiction assistance. Players must be 18 or older to purchase lottery tickets in the state.