No one had the winning Powerball ticket Wednesday night, so now the jackpot has hit a record $700 million.
For every ticket sold, the Nebraska lottery gives back to several beneficiaries. So far they have given back half a billion dollars since 1993.
44.5% goes to both the Nebraska Environmental Fund and Nebraska Education, 10% goes to the Nebraska State Fair, and 1% goes to the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund.
Where does the money generated from lottery tickets go? Details: https://t.co/7bHpyMjcDM pic.twitter.com/uCZj1QkcfT
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The environmental fund has been used for dozens of projects in Omaha, including Heartland B Cycle, who has 31 bike rental stations in the metro.
“It’s hard to imagine what our system would look like without the trust,” said owner Ben Turner.
Turner said it's great to see lottery money go towards environmental projects, “it’s fantastic to have such a large dollar amount emphasis on environment project throughout our state.”
Another funded organization is Nebraska MEDS, which helps prevent the improper disposal of prescription drugs.
“Our goal is to really educate people a safe way of disposing the medication out of their home,” said Joan McVoy with the Nebraska Poison Center.
Some lottery money will also help pay for the future Rapid Transit Bus line on Dodge between downtown and Westroads
Both Turner and McVoy said the record jackpot has them excited about possible future projects.
For more information on where Nebraska lottery money goes, you can click here.
