Lottery transfers to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund increased in Fiscal Year 2017-18 to $1.758 billion, or $102 million more than the prior year. This increase is primarily due to higher scratch-off game transfers as well as higher Powerball and Mega Millions draw game transfers.
Several additional game and product distribution options are available to further increase transfers to education. However, some of these options could represent expanded gambling.
The Department of the Lottery continues to outperform the legislative performance standard for its operating expense rate, which is second lowest in the nation.
The department should continue its ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of the lottery by including an evaluation of its security measures for fast play games in the scope of its next contracted security study and continuing to implement its retailer integrity program.
The department is implementing a plan to enhance the prevention of underage play, but if the Legislature wishes to address the potential that minors could purchase lottery tickets from vending machines, it could consider requiring the department to configure some or all of its vending machines to require age verification.
We found no evidence of the department or its contractor intentionally targeting particular populations with its advertising efforts. However, we found that certain demographic groups still may play the Lottery more than others.

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.