7/29/2011 - 2:06 PM

Lottery Celebrates 20th Year with Second Best Fiscal Finish

Celebrating its twentieth year of operations, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation reported revenue of $385 million to end its second best year ever. Fiscal year 2011 transfers to the state treasury for K-12 education surpassed $136.3 million, up 2 percent from 2010 and exceeding the state's expectations by more than $7.7 million.

"I can't think of a better birthday present for the state," Lottery President Rose Hudson said of the corporation's stellar finish, "especially considering today's tight economic environment."

Hudson credited the Lottery's success to unique games that offer players added entertainment value. Highlights included Millionaire Bonus Raffle with early-bird bonus drawings, the Lottery's New Orleans Saints-branded scratch-off with second-chance drawings for game tickets and autographed merchandise, as well as the Lottery's latest partnership with Troy and Jacob Landry of the hit reality show Swamp People.  
 
In 2011, scratch-off sales saw a 9 percent increase. Although Powerball sales declined due to fewer high jackpots, sales for Louisiana's other draw-style games - Lotto, Easy 5, Pick 3 and Pick 4 - outpaced last year.

"Certainly, additional winning experiences have had a positive effect on sales," Hudson explained. "Increased payouts combined with player promotions and intriguing game designs have solidified Lottery games as a popular Louisiana pastime. We appreciate our players and are committed to continuing to provide them with lots of variety and excitement for their entertainment dollar."

Under state law, 35 percent of Lottery proceeds is transferred to the state treasury and dedicated for K-12 public education. No other lottery jurisdiction in the U.S. contributes a greater percentage of revenue to its government. At least 50 percent is returned to players in the form of prizes. Less than 10 percent is retained by the Lottery for operating costs.

Retailers earn five percent sales commission on Lottery tickets, plus incentives for cashing winning tickets and bonuses for selling winning tickets, totaling about $21.3 million in fiscal year 2011. 

In 2011, the Lottery began a year-long celebration of its twentieth anniversary with a public awareness campaign and player-focused initiatives, including a T-shirt design contest in which players voted for their favorite design via a Facebook fan vote. The design created by Cindy and Valerie Strecker of Slidell was selected as the winning artwork to be featured on the Lottery's commemorative anniversary T-shirt. Other finalists in the contest were Kim Stilger of Kenner and Jeff Welborn of Shreveport. 

Sept. 6 will mark 20 years to the day that the Lottery's first scratch-off game went on sale.  On that date, the Lottery will unveil a collection of anniversary-themed scratch-offs with nostalgic designs and game names.
 
Fourth quarter 2011 figures indicate Lottery revenue totaled $96,512,120 and resulted in a treasury transfer of $35,379,240. The June transfer included a surplus of $1.6 million, due to operational efficiency. The Lottery's total fiscal-year state proceeds were $136,363,490. 

Since the Lottery began operations in 1991, more than $6.7 billion in revenue has been generated, primarily from ticket sales.   More than $2.4 billion has been transferred to the state treasury. 
  
"All year we've showcased the Lottery's 20 years of winning numbers, including how much the corporation has contributed to our state monetarily and culturally since its inception," Hudson noted. "These latest fiscal year figures just add to the celebration. It's truly been a platinum year for the Lottery."

Lottery ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. The Lottery encourages anyone with a gambling problem, or friends of anyone with a gambling problem, to call toll-free 1-877-770-7867 for assistance. A historical overview of the Lottery's 20 years of operations, including sales and state contributions can be found on its website.