Buying a lottery ticket is like buying a tiny piece of hope; for three Minnesotans, hope has paid off in millions this year.

Before we get into when and where the latest Minnesota Millionaires were made, here's some important information about what the money from the Minnesota Lottery is used for.

Where Do Minnesota Lottery Dollars Go?

According to their 2023 annual report, the Minnesota Lottery had a whopping $787.2 million in sales last year, one of the highest sales years in the history of the Minnesota Lottery.

60 percent of Minnesota Lottery net proceeds go to the state's General Fund, which is spent on K through 12 and higher education, health and human services, and aid to local governments. According to the Minnesota DNR, the General Fund also supports "programs related to the protection and management of Minnesota's wetlands, lakes, rivers, and groundwater resources."

40 percent of lottery net proceeds go to the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), whose mission is to "provide a long-term, consistent, and stable source of funding for innovative activities directed at protecting and enhancing Minnesota's environment and natural resources for the benefit of current citizens and future generations.”

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The 2023 Minnesota Lottery Dollars Breakdown

$488 million in prizes was awarded to lottery players across the state.

$196.1 million contributed toward important state initiatives, including:

  • $105.7 million for the General Fund
  • $88.9 million for Minnesota’s environment and natural resources
  • $1.5 million for responsible gambling programs

$51.9 million was paid out as commissions and incentives to nearly 3,000 retailers around Minnesota

Three Minnesota Lottery $1 Million+ Winners in 2024 So Far

Imagine you have an extra million large burning a hole in your pocket suddenly. What would you do with it? Buy a boat? A house? A luxury car? All of the above? With a million+ dollars, the possibilities are almost endless.

LOOK: How Are Minnesota Vehicle Tabs Calculated and Why So Expensive?

Check out when and where the latest Minnesota Millionaires were made below and then close your eyes and imagine it was you...

Lotto America $1.7 Million Winner in Roseville, MN Claimed on March 6, 2024

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The jackpot for this Lotto America drawing on March 4 was 3.73 million. The winner chose the cash option and walked away with $1.7 million. The winner has chosen to remain anonymous.


Powerball $1 Million Winner in Zumbro Falls, MN Claimed on March 21, 2024

Minnesota Lottery winners
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The Powerball jackpot was up to $645 million for the Monday drawing on March 18, 2024. One ticket sold in Zumbro Falls matched five numbers to win $1 million. The winner came forward on March 21st and chose to remain anonymous.


Powerball $1 Million Winner in Fridley, MN Claimed on April 3, 2024

Minnesota Lottery winners
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The Powerball jackpot was up to $1 billion for the drawing on Monday, April 1, 2024, while nobody won all of it, one Minnesotan in Fridley matched five numbers and pocketed a cool million. The winner came forward on April 3rd and chose to remain anonymous.

GOOD QUESTION: Can Minors in Minnesota Legally Drink With Parents?

As of April 12, 2024, two $1 million Minnesota Lottery Raffle prizes remain unclaimed. One was sold in Delano and the other in Dundas.

LOOK: The largest lottery jackpots in US history

Stacker compiled a list of the 15 largest lottery jackpots in U.S. history from news reports and lottery press releases. [This list is current as of July 25, 2023.]

Gallery Credit: Chandler Friedman

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