Scratch-off ticket sales in Indiana are reaching unprecedented levels, with gamblers purchasing more than ever before. The sales figures are setting new records across the state.

According to this week’s State Lottery Commission meeting, the Hoosier Lottery is set to have another record-breaking year.

Scratch-off tickets sales increase

The popularity of scratch-off tickets, a significant part of Hoosier Lottery games, has surged dramatically in recent years.

On Jan. 27, Indiana’s lottery hit the $1 billion sales mark for the year, the earliest the state has ever achieved this milestone.

It should be noted, however, that the lottery’s budget year starts on July 1, so it took roughly seven months to hit the $1 billion mark.

Despite failing to introduce online games earlier this month, the lottery is already breaking records.

Between July and February, the state earned $1.14 billion from lottery ticket sales. Scratch-offs contributed significantly, accounting for $886 million of those earnings. This represents almost 80% of the total revenue and a 4% increase compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year.

This indicates that Indiana is projected to generate over $330 million in revenue from the Hoosier Lottery this year.

Aside from scratch-off sales, the record pace of the lottery can be attributed to the Powerball.

Sales of Powerball have surged by 30% this year owing to two enormous jackpots amounting to a total of $1.3 billion. The substantial jackpot figures draw nationwide attention, thereby encouraging optimistic bettors to purchase more tickets.

The additional Powerball drawing each week by the Hoosier Lottery may have also contributed to the numbers.

Slowing growth from the previous year

A 4% commission from scratch-offs is significant, but the pace isn’t quite the same as it was last year.

Sales of scratch-offs saw a staggering 27% increase during the 2021 fiscal year, contributing to a record-breaking total sales of $1.76 billion.

The growth was primarily attributed to the pandemic. Public space restrictions led Indiana gamblers to seek other forms of entertainment.

The Hoosier Lottery was anticipating an 8% drop in sales last year, given its outlier status. However, it appears that this prediction may have undervalued Indiana residents’ fondness for scratch-off games and the Powerball.

There are still three full months left in the budget cycle, and the records are already beginning to fall. Given the current pace, the Hoosier Lottery is well-positioned to secure another historically successful sales year.