History of Virginia Lottery in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 25, 2026

The Virginia Lottery, established in 1987 following a statewide referendum, is an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ticket sales commenced on September 20, 1988. All lottery profits are constitutionally mandated to support K–12 public education in Virginia. In Fiscal Year 2025, the Lottery generated over $901 million in profits, constituting approximately 10% of the state's school funding. Cumulative lottery profits in Virginia have exceeded $17.3 billion.

1987: Virginia voters approved lottery

In 1987, Virginia voters approved a government-run lottery.

1987: Lottery creation

In 1987, the Virginia Lottery was created when Virginians voted in a statewide referendum in favor of a state lottery.

September 20, 1988: Sales began

Lottery ticket sales began on September 20, 1988.

September 20, 1988: First ticket sold

On September 20, 1988, the first Virginia Lottery ticket was sold.

1989: Total lottery profits

From 1989 through June 2025, total lottery profits in Virginia reached more than $17.3 billion.

1989: Lottery proceeds directed to capital construction projects

In 1989, the General Assembly directed lottery proceeds to capital construction projects.

1990: Lottery proceeds to Virginia's General Fund

From 1990 to 1998, lottery proceeds went to Virginia's General Fund.

1996: Virginia one of the original states to offer the game

In 1996, Virginia was one of the original six states to first offer the Mega Millions game when it was known as "The Big Game".

1998: Lottery proceeds to Virginia's General Fund

From 1990 to 1998, lottery proceeds went to Virginia's General Fund.

1999: Lottery proceeds assigned exclusively to education

Starting in 1999, a provision in Virginia's budget called for all lottery proceeds to be assigned exclusively to education.

November 2000: State Lottery Proceeds Fund creation

In November 2000, Virginia voters approved the creation of the State Lottery Proceeds Fund.

2010: Powerball available in Virginia

Powerball first became available in the commonwealth of Virginia in 2010.

July 1, 2020: Online sales begin

Online sales for Virginia Lottery games began on July 1, 2020, the first day allowed under a change in state law. Within the first 12 months, online sales in Virginia surpassed $807 million.

2020: Cash4Life prize change

In 2020, the original prize claim for Cash4Life was changed from $1,000 a day to $365,000 a year for life or a $7,000,000 lump sum due to 2020 being a leap year with 366 days.

January 1, 2024: New Year's Millionaire Raffle drawing

The New Year's Millionaire Raffle drawing was held on January 1, 2024, featuring five $1 million top prizes, seven $100,000 prizes and 1,000 prizes of $500 each.

April 2024: Khalid R. Jones appointed as executive director

In April 2024, Khalid R. Jones was appointed as the lottery's executive director by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

June 2025: Lottery profits

In June 2025, the lottery's profits totaled more than $901 million, accounting for approximately 10 percent of school funding in Virginia.

June 27, 2025: Largest win in Virginia Lottery history

On June 27, 2025, the largest win in the Virginia Lottery's history occurred when a Mega Millions jackpot worth $348 million was won with a ticket bought in Burgess, Virginia.

2025: Unclaimed prizes to the Virginia Literary Fund

As of 2025, more than $393 million in unclaimed prizes have been transferred to the Virginia Literary Fund.

2025: Lottery Sales

In fiscal year 2025, lottery sales were more than $5.77 billion. The lottery generated more than $901 million for public education, $4.5 billion went back to players as prizes, and nearly $128 million was earned by retailers as sales commissions.