All of that money goes into the state’s general fund, particularly to support aid to K-12 public schools, and it’s one of the reasons why Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently unveiled a proposed fiscal 2024 budget that includes substantial new spending, despite concerns that a potential looming recession could weaken state revenues.

In a statement, Lottery Director Harold Mays cited two factors for the records: improved performance from Camelot Illinois, which was hired as the state’s private lottery manager in 2019 after several years of turmoil; and two jackpots of more than $1 billion each in July and November, an occurrence that almost always juices public interest.

“The Illinois Lottery is a valuable state asset with the purpose of generating essential funding,” said Mays. “I’m proud to announce another record sales period.”

Total sales were up from $1.7 billion in the same period the previous year. Similarly, profit rose from $431 million.

Officials said the lottery paid out total prizes of $1.2 billion, with 32 Illinois residents winning prizes of $1 million or more. Included is the winner of the $1.34 billion Mega Millions jackpot on a single-ticket purchased in Des Plaines in July.

The lottery also had a record year in fiscal 2022, after dipping in pandemic-plagued 2021.