The Arizona Lottery is celebrating its 45th anniversary, and the milestone arrives with a historic sales record. The preliminary FY26 numbers show more than $1.52 billion in total sales, surpassing the FY24 record by more than $570,000.
“We are just so excited to have had a record‑breaking sales year,” said Alec Thomson, the Arizona Lottery executive director, in a recent press conference.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS: The Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026
WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE: The Most Influential Women in Commercial Real Estate for 2026
“A record‑breaking year for us means more prizes, more fun, and more positive impact for the state of Arizona.”
Since the Arizona Lottery sold its first ticket, “Scratch It Rich,” on July 1, 1981, its mission has remained: to support Arizona programs for the public benefit by maximizing net revenue in a responsible manner. The Arizona Lottery directs its proceeds into four key areas: higher education, health and human services, environmental conservation and economic development.
A beneficiary is the Chandler-based State Forty Eight Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the successful for-profit apparel line, State Forty Eight. Launched in 2020, the State Forty Eight Foundation focuses on accessible education and grant funding for emerging business owners.
“Last year, we had the first opportunity to create a co-branded lottery ticket,” said State Forty Eight co-founder Mike Spangenberg.
“It had a special design with our for-profit logo. Then, they allotted an amount dedicated to our foundation, the State Forty Eight Foundation, a 501(c)(3).”
Spangenberg said the Arizona Lottery invested $30,000 into the foundation last year. The organization increased its support to $50,000 this year.
“We align so well,” Spangenberg said of State Forty Eight Foundation’s relationship with the Arizona Lottery.
“We always say, ‘We’re so much more than selling T-shirts and hats,’ which is evident in our nonprofit. But the lottery is so much more than just selling a ticket. The impact it’s creating across the whole state is really powerful. Most people just don’t know that. It’s become a really beautiful friendship and partnership.”
The Arizona Lottery kicked off its anniversary with a $4.5 million jackpot boost to its flagship draw game, The Pick, alongside the Country Cash with Dierks Bentley Players Club promotion. Through Country Cash, players can enter eligible tickets for a chance to win an exclusive VIP experience featuring a private dinner and concert with the Phoenix-born country music star at Whiskey Row in Gilbert.
