Since its start in 1985, the Iowa Lottery has provided entertainment and prizes to its
players while at the same time raising more than $1.2 billion for the state programs that benefit
all Iowans. And, the lottery continues to add tens of millions of dollars in profits to that total
each year.
Through the years, lottery profits have been used for a variety of initiatives, including
projects to create new recreation areas, support research at Iowa’s public universities,
develop new products and techniques for agriculture, and promote tourism in Iowa.
Since 1992, lottery profits have been directed to the state general fund, where they are
used for a variety of significant projects. Some of the programs that receive money from the
general fund include education, natural resources, health and family services and public
safety. The Governor and the Iowa Legislature allocate money from the general fund based
on where they believe those funds are needed most.
