ThinkTennessee has a new report out analyzing the Tennessee Education Lottery – funds from lottery proceeds go to a generous scholarship program for Tennessee high school graduates.
The report notes:
” . . . the lottery revenue funding most of these scholarships is shrinking even as demand keeps growing. Net lottery proceeds fell between FY2022 and FY2025, and while proceeds are expected to increase in future, they aren’t anticipated to meet projected spending needs through at least FY2030.
“The report also unpacks a recent shift: sports wagering tax revenue that serves as a backstop to shortfalls and provided a surplus of funds is now directed to K-12 school construction instead, narrowing the safety net going forward to just a dollar-for-dollar match (without the surplus).”
