Americans Spend $320 on Lottery in 2023, Massachusetts Tops List

Americans spent an average of $320 on lottery tickets in 2023, reflecting a 3.6% increase from $309 the previous year. This data, released by LendingTree, highlights a persistent enthusiasm for the lottery, despite the long odds of winning. Notably, the state of Massachusetts stands out with an astonishing average of $914 per capita, significantly higher than other states.

Across the United States, only five states—Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah—do not participate in the lottery. For those that do, the per capita spending varies widely. Following Massachusetts, Rhode Island ranks second with $573, while North Dakota bottoms out at just $50.

Massachusetts Leads in Lottery Spending

Massachusetts has consistently been a leader in lottery spending since the introduction of scratch tickets in 1974. The state generated a record $6 billion in revenue during the fiscal year 2023, according to Riley Sullivan, a senior policy analyst with the New England Public Policy Center. This considerable income supports various public finance initiatives, although critics argue that funds are not equitably distributed, particularly in lower-income areas.

Ian Coss, host of the “Scratch & Win” podcast, attributes Massachusetts’ high spending to several structural factors. The concentration of the population in a single metropolitan area leads to increased lottery spending, as urban residents typically engage more in such activities. Coss also notes a cultural influence in the state’s lottery participation, stating, “Many of the earliest lottery states are heavily Catholic, and the Church has not maintained a strict stance against gambling,” which has fostered a culture of acceptance around games of chance.

Spending Patterns Across the Country

The LendingTree report provides insights into regional spending habits. The ten states with the highest per capita spending on lottery tickets are as follows:

1. Massachusetts – $914.52
2. Rhode Island – $573.33
3. Virginia – $532.12
4. Georgia – $519.52
5. New York – $480.98
6. Connecticut – $469.20
7. Michigan – $467.61
8. West Virginia – $441.41
9. South Carolina – $437.38
10. Maryland – $431.79

In contrast, the states with the lowest lottery spending per capita include:

1. North Dakota – $50.16
2. Wyoming – $74.69
3. Montana – $76.04
4. New Mexico – $83.79
5. Oklahoma – $92.35
6. Kansas – $110.40
7. Washington – $121.46
8. Nebraska – $124.42
9. Minnesota – $134.83
10. Colorado – $147.30

Demographically, younger individuals, particularly those under 25, show the least interest in lottery spending, while those aged 65 to 74 tend to invest the most, as indicated by a study from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The enduring allure of the lottery continues to captivate Americans across the country. As spending increases, debates about the impact of lottery revenues on public welfare and the disproportionate spending among different income groups will likely persist. The findings from LendingTree serve as a reminder of the cultural and economic significance of this form of entertainment in American society.