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Each year, the Iowa Lottery raises tens of millions of dollars that enrich life in our state. Lottery proceeds have three main purposes in Iowa. They provide support for veterans; help for a variety of significant projects through the state general fund; and backing for the Vision Iowa program.

Since July 2008, a portion of lottery proceeds have been dedicated to the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund, where they are used to support our state's veterans. The proceeds from two instant-scratch games and two pull-tab games each year are directed into the Veterans Trust Fund. The Iowa Lottery estimates that the games will provide about $2 million to $3 million in proceeds annually for the Veterans Trust Fund.

The Iowa Veterans Trust Fund was created to provide assistance to qualified veterans to help pay for expenses such as job training or college tuition assistance; some dental, vision and hearing assistance; and individual or family counseling programs.

Since 1992, a majority of lottery profits have been directed into the state general fund, where they are used to pay for programs that benefit all Iowans. In the Iowa Lottery's latest financial year, the lottery raised $56.6 million in proceeds that were deposited in the state general fund. Some of the programs that receive money from the general fund include education, natural resources, health and family services and public safety. The Governor and Iowa Legislature allocate money from the general fund based on where they believe those funds are needed most.

The chart* below illustrates the breakdown of how money from the general fund is distributed.

In addition to the commitment to the general fund, lottery profits are linked to the Vision Iowa program. Vision Iowa was implemented in 2000 to create tourism destinations in the state, assist with community attractions, and build and repair schools.

Direct funding for Vision Iowa comes from gaming revenues. However, as the program was being initiated, investors indicated there was a need to strengthen the Vision Iowa bonds by dedicated $20 million annually in lottery revenues as a backup.

Legislation was approved that dedicates $15 million in lottery revenues to programs for community attractions in Iowa and another $5 million to Vision Iowa programs to build and repair schools in gambling revenues don’t reach that amount. Lottery funding will continue to be linked to Vision Iowa over the 20-year payback period of the program's bonds.

To learn how more than $1.2 billion in Lottery profits have helped the state, click here.

*Source: Iowa Department of Management - FY 2008 appropriations