Passing the Buck
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, based on 2004 fiscal year, of the 45 states that operate a lottery, Louisiana is among the top five of those transferring the most self-generated revenues to their treasury. Meanwhile, Louisiana is at the bottom of the same list for money returned to players.
Transfers to state government as percentage of revenues:
1. California 37.6 percent
2. Florida 35.8 percent
3. Louisiana/New Jersey 35.6 percent
4. Illinois 33.6 percent
5. Maryland 32.8 percent
45. West Virginia 20.7 percent
Prizes as percentage of ticket sales:
1. Massachusetts 72.1 percent
41. Montana 50.8 percent
42. Washington D.C. 50.7 percent
43. Louisiana 49.9 percent
44. Delaware 49.0 percent 45. North Dakota -- 48.4 percent
