AUSTIN — Ahead of Memorial Day, the Texas Lottery has hit an historic milestone in its mission to support those who have served. With its most recent revenue transfer, the Texas Lottery has now generated more than $301.3 million for the Texas Veterans Commission’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA).
This achievement comes 17 years after the Texas Legislature first directed funds from veteran-dedicated scratch ticket games to the FVA in 2009.
“As we approach this year’s Memorial Day commemorations, the Texas Lottery is incredibly proud to reach the $300 million mark in total contributions to our state’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance,” said Courtney Arbour, executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which oversees the Texas Lottery. “This milestone reflects the unwavering support of our players and retailers, as well as our commitment to generating vital funds that provide life-changing services for Texas veterans and their families.”
“The impact of this funding is tremendous. It helps tens of thousands of veterans and their families every year,” said Texas Veterans Commission Executive Director and Army veteran Tom Palladino. “We thank the Texans who purchase lottery scratch tickets that benefit our veterans. The $300 million generated by the Texas Lottery has empowered the FVA to award grants that provide vital services, from clinical counseling to housing and financial assistance to legal services. This partnership proves the Lone Star State remembers our men and women who served.”
The Texas Lottery plans to add to its revenue-raising tally with the launch, on May 18, of a new $2 scratch ticket game specifically designed to support the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. Find $200 – the 88th game supporting Texas veterans – features more than $11.9 million in total cash prizes, including more than 7,600 top prizes of $200. Players can use the Scratch Ticket and Retailer Locator on the Texas Lottery website or on the Texas Lottery App to find the games in their area.
The state legislation that established the veterans-dedicated lottery games, authored by Rep. Chris Turner and former Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, was signed into law in June 2009. Since the first veterans ticket launched later that year, the proceeds have supported hundreds of organizations across the state. With more than 1.5 million veterans residing in Texas, the FVA continues to address critical needs including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) counseling, housing assistance, and employment services.
