Support local communities
Each year, the Massachusetts Lottery gives money to towns and cities across the state to help aid our communities.
In Fiscal Year 2012, the Massachusetts State Lottery returned over $983 million in net profit to the Commonwealth, of which over $883.7 million in Direct Local Aid was distributed to the 351 cities and towns.
Lottery revenues are distributed to the 351 cities and towns of the Commonwealth according to a local aid formula established by Legislature. Lottery funds are not earmarked for any specific programs, allowing cities and towns to choose how they would like to spend the funds. For example, hiring new police officers or purchasing firefighting equipment. The listing below includes a sample of how some cities and towns have used Lottery revenues to fund local programs and services.
How is the Lottery fund distributed?
All direct local aid is distributed according to a local aid formula established by the state legislature. Funds designated for Arts Lottery, Cultural Council and Council on Compulsive Gambling are not subject to the distribution formula.
Historical local aid
| Time period | Direct local aid | Indirect local aid |
|---|---|---|
|
||
| Fiscal Year 2012 | $833,980,293 | $86,083,765 |
| Fiscal Year 2011 | $802,202,721 | $85,709,911 |
| Fiscal Year 2010 | $859,407,000 | $89,303,488 |
| Fiscal Year 2009***** | $810,875,000 | $92,270,485 |
| Fiscal Year 2008 | $935,028,283 | $91,881,958 |
| Fiscal Year 2007 | $920,028,283 | $91,003,884 |
| Fiscal Year 2006**** | $761,378,162 | $88,910,589 |
| Fiscal Year 2005*** | $661,387,162 | $87,615,715 |
| Fiscal Year 2004** | $661,387,162 | $86,862,019 |
| Fiscal Year 2003* | $705,340,354 | $86,906,870 |
| Fiscal Year 2002 | $790,000,000 | $109,207,439 |
