Nebraska Lottery Sends $9.6 Million to State Programs, Education, and Environmental Projects

The Nebraska Lottery has distributed more than $9.6 million from recent Scratch and Lotto ticket sales to support programs across the state, including education, environmental conservation, the Nebraska State Fair, and gambling addiction services.

The latest round of funding came from ticket sales during the previous three months and was distributed during the week of July 3, according to the Nebraska Lottery.

Here's how the $9.62 million was divided:

• $4.28 million went to the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund.
• $4.28 million supported education programs approved by the Legislature.
• $962,209 was directed to the Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund.
• $96,221 funded programs that help people struggling with problem gambling.

Nebraska officials say that about 25 cents of every dollar spent on lottery tickets goes directly toward these public programs. Since the lottery launched in 1993, it has returned more than $1 billion to beneficiaries across the state.

The current funding formula was created after Nebraska voters approved a constitutional amendment in November 2004. Under that system:

• 44.5% goes to the Environmental Trust Fund.
• 44.5% supports education.
• 10% benefits the Nebraska State Fair.
• 1% is dedicated to problem gambling assistance.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Trust Fund remains at the center of an ongoing legal dispute. A district court judge issued a temporary order on June 29 preventing the state from transferring additional trust fund money while a lawsuit moves forward.

The lawsuit, filed by two former state officials, argues that $28.52 million in lottery proceeds meant for environmental projects was redirected by lawmakers for other purposes, which they claim goes against what Nebraska voters originally approved. The judge's order also blocks spending of previously transferred funds and pauses planned $8 million transfers scheduled for this year and next until the case is resolved.

State officials continue to emphasize that the Nebraska Lottery exists to provide entertainment while generating funding for important public services. They also note that lottery-supported projects have benefited communities in all 93 Nebraska counties.