New York and Virginia accelerated their state lottery businesses in 2026, with the New York Lottery surpassing US$740 million in sales during July and the Virginia Lottery closing fiscal year 2026 with a record US$6.36 billion, highlighting the growing contribution of major jackpots, retail distribution and iLottery to public revenue.
In New York, July sales exceeded the US$719.2 million recorded in July 2025 and also surpassed the US$737.4 million generated in July 2024. Operations fall under the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC), chaired by Brian O’Dwyer and led by Executive Director Robert Williams. The state network includes approximately 15,000 authorised retailers and offers Mega Millions, Powerball, New York Lotto, Take 5, Numbers, Win 4, Pick 10, Quick Draw and instant games. During July, Mega Millions jackpots climbed as high as US$743 million, while Powerball approached US$567 million, creating a favourable environment for ticket sales.
Net New York Lottery proceeds are allocated to Aid to Education, with approximately US$89.7 billion contributed historically to public schools.
Kevin Hall
Virginia closed the period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 with US$6.36 billion in sales, compared with more than US$5.7 billion in FY2025, representing an increase of at least US$660 million, or more than 11%. The organisation is led by Kevin Hall, who was reappointed Executive Director in June 2026.
The Virginia Lottery combines retail draw games, scratch tickets and iLottery, while also regulating land-based casinos and sports betting. Since 1999, lottery profits have been constitutionally dedicated to K-12 public education. In FY2025, the Lottery contributed more than US$901 million to schools, paid over US$4.5 billion in player prizes, almost US$128 million in retailer commissions, and recorded US$228 million in operating expenses. By 2026, cumulative contributions to education had surpassed US$14.5 billion.
