Welcome to the Office Lottery and Gaming. The DC Lottery is a revenue-generating agency of the District of Columbia. Each year, the DC Lottery transfers millions of dollars to the general fund. Players participating in new and exciting online and instant games produce this money. We also help local charities raise millions of dollars by licensing raffles, bingo, and Monte Carlo nights.
Since the Lottery's inception in 1982, our total contribution has been more than $1.6 billion to the District's general fund. The DC Lottery's annual transfer to the general fund remains a vital component in aiding the city's economy, thereby benefiting all residents of the District of Columbia, as well as suburban commuters and tourists. The general fund supports services such as education, recreation and parks, public safety, housing, and senior and child services. The DC Lottery directly benefits our players by paying out more than 50 percent of annual sales in prize money. We also directly benefit local businesses by providing commissions to retailers licensed to sell DC Lottery games and offering contracting opportunities. Find more financial information by viewing the Annual Reports and Financial Statements section.
Please Play Responsibly
Many District of Columbia residents, suburban commuters, and tourists enjoy DC Lottery games with the vast majority playing responsibly. Nevertheless, lottery games are still a form of gambling and can be abused.
At the DC Lottery, we encourage players to play lottery games responsibly, using only discretionary entertainment dollars to purchase lottery tickets. Lottery games are a "fun" investment, not a "financial" investment. No one wins when our games are abused. These games are designed solely for entertainment and the proceeds go to a good cause—our city. When we play in moderation, we all win. Please play responsibly and let's keep the good in a good cause.