Last week the Arkansas Lottery released its monthly report detailing revenue and expenses for October.
The Lottery reportedly took in $39.8 million, but paid less than $5.7 million to scholarships — about 14.2% of the Lottery’s revenue for the month.
Overall, the Arkansas Lottery’s income is higher than it was this time last year. Lottery revenue is up nearly $22 million compared to 2016, but scholarship funding has risen by only $2.8 million.
As we have said for years: The Arkansas Lottery’s problem is not income; it’s priorities. The Lottery needs to prioritize scholarship funding. As it stands, students get a pathetic 17 cents of every dollar the Lottery makes.
Below is a breakdown of Lottery revenue so far this fiscal year.
| Month | Gross Lottery Revenue | Paid to Scholarships | % Gross Revenue |
| July | $ 36,885,396.81 | $ 6,661,762.99 | 18.1% |
| August | 49,320,459.23 | 8,912,741.54 | 18.1% |
| September | 36,405,731.14 | 6,755,333.93 | 18.6% |
| October | 39,802,740.53 | 5,667,305.74 | 14.2% |
| Total | $ 162,414,327.71 | $ 27,997,144.20 | 17.2% |
