DALLAS (KDAF) — Texas lottery players get a better return rate than most states, according to a new study that analyzed 2023 lottery data from across the U.S. and identified the best states for lotto players based on return rates.
In 2023, Americans spent a total of $113.3 billion in lottery tickets, a 5% jump from the $107.9 billion spent in 2022. They also received $65.7 billion in prize money, which means a 58% return rate.
Texas, with a population of over 31 million, returned 66.7% of its lottery revenue to players, paying out $5.82 billion in prizes from $8.72 billion in sales.
Top 10 best states for lottery returns to players
| Rank | State | Return rate | Lottery sales | Prizes | Sales per capita |
| 1 | Massachusetts | 73.2% | $6.1 billion | $4.4 billion | $858.15 |
| 2 | Maine | 70% | $410 million | $287 million | $292.01 |
| 3 | Missouri | 69.9% | $1.7 billion | $1.2 billion | $286.96 |
| 4 | Arkansas | 68.6% | $607 million | $416 million | $196.73 |
| 5 | Florida | 67.9% | $9.8 billion | $6.6 billion | $419.38 |
| 6 | Idaho | 67.6% | $422 million | $285 million | $211.08 |
| 7 | Arizona | 67.3% | $1.5 billion | $1 billion | $200.03 |
| 8 | Texas | 66.7% | $8.7 billion | $5.8 billion | $278.86 |
| 9 | Vermont | 66% | $159 million | $104 million | $245.22 |
| 10 | North Carolina | 65.9% | $4.3 billion | $2.8 billion | $393.15 |
According to the findings, Massachusetts is the best state for lottery players, with winners receiving $4.4 billion in prize money from $6.1 billion in lottery sales – a 73.2% return rate.
With the highest per capita spending in the top 10 at $858, Massachusetts residents are not only the most active lottery players, but also among the most rewarded.
Top 10 worst states for lottery returns to players
| Rank | State | Return rate | Lottery sales | Prizes | Sales per capita |
| 1 | West Virginia | 11.4% | $1.4 billion | $164 million | $814.14 |
| 2 | South Dakota | 12.4% | $414 million | $51 million | $448.41 |
| 3 | Oregon | 16.3% | $1.6 billion | $274 million | $392.68 |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 18.7% | $1 billion | $191 million | $923.33 |
| 5 | Delaware | 19% | $758 million | $144 million | $721.20 |
On the other hand, some states return significantly less to players, keeping a larger portion of lottery revenues for state programs and operations.
West Virginia ranks as the state with the lowest return rate, giving back just 11.4% of lottery sales to players. From $1.44 billion in lottery revenue, players received only $164 million in prizes.
