Oregon Public Broadcasting

Washington's lottery is about to get a major makeover.

Governor Chris Gregoire is expected to sign legislation Friday that redirects lottery proceeds to higher education. How the lottery markets its games will also change.

Where do lottery dollars go?  Prizes, of course. But the second biggest chunk of cash – about $100 million a year – goes to school building construction.

The problem is school districts don't want the lottery to advertise that fact because they worry voters will stop supporting levies.

So now, under a new law, lottery proceeds will instead go to higher education in Washington. And spokeswoman Jacque Coe says the lottery will be required to advertise that feel-good connection.

Jacque Coe: “If the message about where lottery dollars go for education is more clear, it's hoped that that will appeal to a much greater, wider audience and that folks who currently aren't buying a ticket might consider buying a ticket.”

Washington will still fund K-12 school construction, but out of a different pot of money.

Look for a new Washington lottery ad campaign as early as this summer.