North Carolina Leads US in Lottery Spending Growth
Per-capita lottery spending in North Carolina jumped by over 20 percent in 2024 following the launch of digital games.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Gambling
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North Carolina recorded the largest increase in per-capita lottery spending in the United States in 2024, rising 20.3% to $506 per person. This surge followed the state's introduction of digital instant lottery games in November 2023.
Why it matters
The introduction of digital platforms has significantly changed how residents engage with the state lottery. Digital games accounted for over $1.3 billion in revenue during fiscal year 2024, driving the state's total lottery spending to $5.67 billion.
North Carolina's per-capita spending grew from $421 in 2023 to $506 in 2024, with a 67.1% lottery payout rate. Massachusetts held the nation's highest per-capita spending at $904, while North Dakota saw the lowest at $51.
The details
Digital instant games generated more than $1.3 billion during fiscal year 2024, acting as the primary catalyst for the state's record-breaking growth. While total spending reached $5.67 billion, the state returned $3.8 billion to participants in the form of lottery prizes.
Timeline
November 2023: North Carolina introduced digital instant lottery games.
2023: This year served as the baseline for lottery spending data.
Fiscal year 2024: Digital games generated over $1.3 billion in revenue.
2024: This year provided the data for the lottery spending study.
Culture Shift
The transition to digital platforms reflects a broader societal shift toward mobile-first gambling accessibility. This move marks a departure from traditional retail-only models, positioning state lotteries to capture younger demographics and increase daily engagement rates.
The introduction of digital games allows residents to participate in lottery play directly from personal devices, potentially increasing the frequency of individual wagers. Users should remain mindful of the 67.1% payout rate when budgeting for digital entertainment expenses.
The takeaway
Increased digital accessibility has made lottery play a more frequent part of the modern entertainment budget. Players are encouraged to monitor their participation levels to ensure that gaming remains a controlled form of leisure spending.
Further reading
For more on state gaming trends, visit the Gambling section.
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