TRENTON (March 21, 2022) – The New Jersey Lottery released its finalized Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) today, marking the fourth consecutive year that the Lottery’s contribution to support the State’s financial obligations is over $1 billion. The report is available for review on the Lottery’s website.

For the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2021, the Lottery generated $3.683 billion in sales and contributed $1.105 billion to the State. Sales were up 14.6% compared to the prior year and the contribution to the State was up 8.9%. Lottery profits support New Jersey’s public employee pension system for teachers, police, firefighters and other public employees.

“Fiscal Year 2021 set a record for sales, which exceeded the previous high from Fiscal Year 2019 by over $200 million. This sales increase was led by an exciting portfolio of Scratch-Off tickets and games at price points that cater to every budget. Sales of this magnitude do not happen by chance. They are the result of efforts by loyal players, enthusiastic retailers, dedicated Lottery employees, and innovative vendors working together to benefit the entire State of New Jersey,” said Executive Director James A. Carey.

“The Lottery’s economic importance transcends winning numbers and million dollar jackpots. Our network of almost 7,000 retailers, largely comprised of small businesses, shared in commissions of $214.25 million in Fiscal Year 2021. This represented a 13.56% increase over the prior fiscal year and was the highest in New Jersey history. Our retailers are the public face of the Lottery and critical to our success. I would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication,” Carey added.

The Lottery’s marketing and advertising vendor, Northstar New Jersey, had several successful initiatives in FY21. Scratch-Offs sales were over $2 billion for the first time in Lottery history, an increase of 11.84%. Core games’ drawing times moved to 10:57 p.m. daily. This change greatly benefitted Pick-3 and Pick-4, with sales reaching $744,325,850, up 11.03%, stemming a steady tide of erosion over the last few years. Additionally, a change in the matrix (extended player selection numbers from 1- 43 to 1- 45).to Jersey Cash 5 provided guaranteed starting jackpots of $100,000, resulting in faster growing prizes, leading to increased sales of $180,350,985, up 35.43%.

Pursuant to the amended contract between the State and Northstar New Jersey, Northstar will be paid for expenses and earn an incentive payment for FY21 of $23,373,282. By comparison, in FY 2020, Northstar did not meet the net income targets under the contract and consequently owed a shortfall payment of $19,915,065, which became part of the Lottery’s contribution to the State.

The audit report released today also details prize payments of approximately $2.245 billion, a 14% increase over the prior year. New Jersey Lottery players won jackpots in all of the major jackpot games during Fiscal Year 2021, including Mega Millions, Powerball, Pick-6 and Jersey Cash 5. During Fiscal Year 2021, 60 New Jersey Lottery players claimed