4/15/2010 - 4:19 PM

Lottery Announces Results for the $1,000,000 RAFFLE Drawing

Just in time for the IRS's income tax deadline, someone could find themselves $1 million richer today.

The Louisiana Lottery announced results of this morning's drawing for its latest raffle game, $1,000,000 RAFFLE.  In all, 506 raffle numbers won $1.5 million in cash prizes.

$1,000,000 RAFFLE offered Lottery players their best odds to win $1 million, with only 300,000 tickets originally available at a cost of $10 each.  Tickets sold out yesterday morning at 9:16 a.m.

"Now that the drawing has occurred, we are anxious to meet the Louisiana Lottery's newest millionaire," said Lottery President Rose Hudson. "In the meantime, players should sign the back of their ticket immediately for security purposes ."

The game's $1 million top cash prize was won by raffle number 272251, which was purchased at Club Grocery & General Merchandise on Highway 18 in Edgard. This retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus from the Lottery for selling the winning ticket.

There were also five winning raffle numbers worth $50,000 each.  These tickets were purchased at the following Lottery retailers:  Papa T's in Vidalia, Popingo's #8 in White Castle, H&R Truck Stop and Casino in Port Allen, Denham Springs Super Stop in Denham Springs, and Love's Travel Stop #237 in Richmond.   Each of these retailers will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning tickets.

Finally, there were 500 winning raffle numbers worth $500 each.  Copies of the complete drawing results are available for download on the Lottery's Web site and will also be distributed at all Louisiana Lottery regional offices and by mail to those who request a copy. For security and practical purposes, drawing results will not be given over the phone.

As with all Lottery draw-style games, prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing in which the prize was won, which is Oct. 12, 2010, for $1,000,000 RAFFLE. Original tickets are needed to claim any prize.  The $1 million top prize must be claimed at Lottery headquarters in Baton Rouge. Prizes of $50,000 must be claimed at any Lottery office. Winners should bring their social security card and a photo ID when claiming a prize at a Lottery office. $500 prizes may be claimed at any participating Lottery retailer.

Odds of winning the $1 million prize were 1 in 300,000.  Odds of winning any prize were 1 in 593. Like all Lottery games, 50 percent of $1,000,000 RAFFLE  ticket sales is used to fund the game's prizes; 35 percent is transferred to the state for the Minimum Foundation Program which funds public education in Louisiana; at least 5 percent is paid as commission to retailers that sell tickets; and less than 10 percent is retained by the Lottery to fund its operations.

Players must be at least 21 years of age to purchase Lottery tickets. In addition, the Lottery cautions players to play responsibly. Help is available to those who may have a gambling problem by calling toll-free, 1-877-770-7867.