How the lottery helps state programs
TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Even though no one in Arizona won the record Powerball jackpot Saturday night, local stores were packed with people eager for their chance at the historic $900 million jackpot.
"You know the odds are just so far out there but like everybody else I was just enticed by the jackpot," said Carlos Tovar. Tovar, along with many others said they do not play regularly, but wanted to test their luck this time around.
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How the lottery helps state programs
"Personally I race race cars so the first thing I'd do I go racing... Move to North Carolina and that's where I'd be," said Ronnie Clark who bought a ticket.
"Definitely we'll be out of debt you know. Put money back into a business. Some kind of investment," said John Conant, a ticket buyer.
Many did not know, however, that their money is going towards more than their chance at the jackpot. A part of they Arizona lottery money is going back into state programs.
In fiscal year 2014, $175 million went back into Arizona programs, according to The Arizona Lottery.
It includes:
- $84.5 million for education
- $65.5 million for health and human services
- $10.5 million for environment
- $14.5 million for business and economic development
Some said this is even more incentive to play a little more than they usually do.
"I think that's great. Maybe I'll play even more now," said Clark.
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