China’s lottery sales reached RMB623.5 billion ($85.8 billion) in 2024, setting a new record since the lottery system was introduced in 1984.
This figure represents an estimated 300 million lottery players, translating to an average spending of over RMB2,000 ($275) per person. The 2024 total also marks a 7.6 percent increase from the previous year.
According to a local media outlet closely observing the market, some experts suggest that China’s sluggish economy and high unemployment rate have led many to view lottery tickets as a potential financial lifeline. However, other analysts point out that the primary driver of China’s lottery revenue is the sports lottery, especially among young and middle-aged men, where football matches generate significant enthusiasm.
The appeal lies in the excitement, the sense of patriotism, and the chance to win—propelling China’s sports lottery market to the largest in the world.
Sports lottery sales accounted for a dominant 66 percent of the total, reaching RMB415.53 billion, up 7.9 percent year-on-year. Meanwhile, welfare lottery sales stood at RMB207.96 billion, reflecting a 7 percent annual increase.
Regionally, lottery sales grew across China, except for Hubei province. Zhejiang, Hunan, Guangdong (nearby Macau), and Anhui recorded the highest sales growth.
January lottery sales drop 16% due to CNY
According to the latest statistics from China’s Ministry of Finance, total lottery sales in January amounted to RMB48.52 billion ($6.7 billion), a decrease of RMB9.05 billion ($1.3 billion), or 15.7 percent, compared to the previous year.
Of this, welfare lottery sales were RMB17.24 billion ($2.4 billion), down RMB2.45 billion ($337 million), or 12.4 percent year-on-year. Meanwhile, sports lottery sales totaled RMB31.28 billion ($4.3 billion), a decrease of RMB6.6 billion ($908 million), or 17.4 percent.Â
This decline was mainly attributed to the impact of the Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday in January, during which the lottery market was temporarily closed.
