Florida Lottery sets sales record, collecting $6.2 billion during 2016

The Florida Lottery surpassed $6.2 billion in sales during 2016, setting a record and improving on the previous year’s take by more than $411 million

Lottery officials announced the new benchmark in a press release.

“Ending 2016 with this never before reached sales record is a tremendous accomplishment for the Florida Lottery,” Secretary Tom Delacenserie said.

“Not only do our players and retailers benefit, but, more importantly, these record-breaking sales help provide more opportunities for Florida students to ensure they receive the very best education possible,” he said.

The lottery’s contributions to Florida’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund will equal $1.6 billion, 7 percent more than the year before. That works out to $135 million on average every month during 2016.

Lottery winners collected more than $3.9 billion, while retailer bonuses and commissions totaled $342 million.