How did the Lottery begin?

Looking for a way for the state to generate revenue without increasing taxes, the 1990 Louisiana Legislature approved Act 1045 amending the state's constitution to create a state lottery. Due to its unique operations, the legislature recognized a corporate structure would best suit the Lottery. Voters also liked the idea and passed a constitutional amendment creating the Lottery on Oct. 6, 1990 by a 69 percent to 31 percent margin statewide. The Lottery sold its first scratch-off ticket Sept. 6, 1991.

What was the largest Lotto jackpot?

The Robert H. LeBas Family Partnership of Church Point won $21.2 million, which was the largest jackpot won on a single ticket. The largest multi-winner jackpot was $31 million and was split between Kimberly D. Hall of Bon Wier, Texas, and Roland and Marion LeBeouf Family Partnership of Houma, with each receiving $15.5 million. These jackpots were paid as annuities. The largest single-payment winner was Timothy M. Smith of Marrero, who won $15.6 million.

What's the largest Powerball jackpot ever won in Louisiana?

The largest jackpot won in Louisiana was $191.1 million for the Oct. 25, 2017 drawing, claimed by the 292 Family Partnership. The largest Powerball jackpot ever won -- and the world record -- was $2.04 billion for the November 7, 2022 drawing, which was won by a ticket purchased in California.

When did Lottery proceeds begin being dedicated to K-12 public education?

Since the Lottery's inception, proceeds from the sale of Lottery tickets have been utilized primarily for K-12 public education. However, on July 1, 2004, a constitutional amendment, which was passed by voters 64% to 36%, took effect to dedicate Lottery proceeds for the Minimum Foundation Program, which funds public education in Louisiana.

The Louisiana Lottery is required by its statute to transfer at least 25% of its revenue to the state. The Louisiana Lottery has transferred over $4.5 billion since its inception, amounting to over 35% of its total revenue.

 

When did Lotto begin being drawn twice a week?

December 4, 1996. A second weekly drawing was added for drawings on Wednesday and Saturdays and the minimum jackpot prize was reduced from $500,000 to $250,000. 

On Aug. 2, 2020, the Lottery raised the minimum starting jackpot from $250,000 to $500,000 in order to be able to offer players more jackpots worth $1 million or more throughout the year.

When did Lotto begin?

The Lottery's first draw-style jackpot game, Lotto, was introduced January 22, 1992. The first drawing was conducted nine days later.

When did Powerball begin offering a lump-sum cash option?

November 2, 1997. In response to increased population base, Powerball odds of winning the jackpot increased from 1 in 55 million to 1 in 80 million, while lower tier prizes were enhanced and odds are lowered. A lump-sum cash option for jackpot prize payment was also added.

When did the Lottery begin using automated drawing machines?

The Lottery began using automated drawing machines for daily Pick 3 drawings May 8, 1994. 

When did the Lottery launch its first raffle game?

The Lottery launched it's first-ever $10 raffle game, Millionaire Raffle, February 18, 2008.

When did the Lottery sell its first ticket?

On September 6, 1991, the first instant scratch-off game Louisiana Treasures went on sale.

When did the Louisiana Lottery join Powerball?

The Louisiana Lottery joined the multistate, multimillion-dollar jackpot game Powerball March 2, 1995. 

When was Easy 5 relaunched?

The Lottery relaunched Easy 5, with a starting pari-mutuel cash jackpot of $50,000, September 16, 2007. The first drawing occurred September 19.

When was Pick 4 introduced?

Pick 4 was introduced March 1, 1999 with daily drawings.

When was Power Play added to Powerball?

The Power Play option was added to Powerball March 4, 2001, giving players the chance to increase certain winnings for an additional $1 per play.

When was the Lottery started?

In July 1990, the Legislature prepared a constitutional amendment allowing the creation of the Louisiana Lottery Corporation. On October 6, voters approved the amendment by a 7 to 3 margin.