National Lottery Day

Celebrated on 07/17/2026

Quick Fact

Did you know that the first recorded lottery in history was held during the Roman Empire under Emperor Augustus? It was used to raise funds for repairing the city of Rome. Modern lotteries have grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with the largest jackpot in U.S. history reaching $2.04 billion in November 2022.

Origins and Establishment of National Lottery Day

National Lottery Day is celebrated annually on July 17 in the United States. The holiday was established by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) in 2016 to recognize the positive impact of lotteries on education and public services. The date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the first U.S. lottery, which was authorized by the Continental Congress in 1776 to raise funds for the American Revolutionary War.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over time, lotteries evolved from simple raffles to sophisticated games with massive jackpots. Today, National Lottery Day is marked by special promotions, second-chance drawings, and social media campaigns. Many state lotteries host events and offer bonuses to players. The day also emphasizes responsible gambling and the billions of dollars raised for good causes, such as education, infrastructure, and senior citizen programs.

Facts & General Observations

• In fiscal year 2020, U.S. lottery sales totaled over $91 billion, with proceeds contributing more than $25 billion to state programs.
• The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are approximately 1 in 292 million, making it more likely to be struck by lightning.
• Lotteries are legal in 45 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with only Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah not operating state lotteries.

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