NATIONAL LOTTERY DAY
Fast Facts
- WHEN
- Celebrated each year on July 17th
- FOUNDED
- Founded by Massachusetts State Lottery in 2018
- VIBE
- Celebrates the massive contributions lotteries make to local communities, education, and state programs
- QUESTION
- What's the first thing you would do if you won the lottery?
NATIONAL LOTTERY DAY
If you happen to feel a sudden burst of luck on July 17th, there is a good reason for it—it is National Lottery Day! While many see the lottery simply as a chance to win big, this day actually celebrates the massive contributions lotteries make to local communities, education, and state programs.
#NationalLotteryDay
The concept of the lottery is far from modern. In fact, it dates back more than half a millennium, evolving from a community safety net into a global phenomenon.
Quick Lottery Timeline
15th-Century Origins
According to Manfred Zollinger, author of Random Riches, one of the earliest recorded lotteries took place in 1441 in Bruges, Belgium. These early lotteries weren't just about personal wealth; they funded critical village needs, fed and clothed the poor, and strengthened municipal defenses.
Wine Transporter Benefits
In early Renaissance lotteries, local merchants bought chances to win lucrative prizes. One of the most sought-after grand prizes was the tax farm on the wijnscrooderschap (wine transporters). The winner not only collected taxes on wine but also oversaw its quality control—a massive financial windfall for any merchant.
Early Lottery Funds
In the early days of the United States, lotteries served as a vital civic tool. Lottery proceeds famously helped fund cannons for the Continental Army during the American Revolution and paved the essential roads that connected the East Coast.
Lottery Revenue
Today, lotteries are owned and operated by individual state governments where lottery revenue is legally earmarked to support the public programs. Every time a ticket is purchased, a significant portion of that dollar goes directly back into local communities, including:
Public education and school infrastructure
State parks and environmental conservation
Local roads, bridges, and public transportation
Programs for senior citizens and veterans
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL LOTTERY DAY
National Lottery Day encourages local and state lotteries to offer special promotions on July 17th. Celebrate the contributions provided by lotteries in each of their regions. Watch for promotions in the lottery nearest you. Use #NationalLotteryDay to share on social media.
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Many local and state lotteries offer special deals, discounted tickets, or buy-one-get-one promotions exclusively on July 17th.
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Pick up a scratch-off or a drawing ticket just for fun, keeping in mind that even if you don't win, your contribution helps fund local state programs.
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We want to hear your favorite lottery stories, see your scratch-off wins and what you would do if you hit the grand prize. Share on social media using the hashtag #NationalLotteryDay.
NATIONAL LOTTERY DAY HISTORY
Massachusetts State Lottery founded National Lottery Day in 2018 to provide consumers with a day of special promotions for lottery products. Since selling their first ticket in 1972, the Massachusetts State Lottery has been an essential source of unrestricted local aid in the Commonwealth.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the day to be observed on July 17th annually.