Lottery Second Quarter Revenue Up; Transfers to State Exceed Budget

Entering its twentieth year of operations, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation is pleased to report that transfers to the state treasury for the second quarter of fiscal year 2011 topped $32.8 million, up 5.3 percent from 2010 and exceeding budget projections by $657,995.

With second-quarter revenue of $93,723,548, the Lottery contributed $32,803,245 to the state, which was $1,666,335 more than the second quarter of 2010, bringing total fiscal year-to-date transfers to $65,115,330. Thirty-five percent of Lottery proceeds are 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.

Retailers earn five percent sales commission on Lottery tickets, plus cashing incentives and selling bonuses, amounting to $5,299,550 for October through December of 2010. 

Lottery President Rose Hudson credited the Lottery's success over the last three months to a 13 percent increase in scratch-off game sales. Although Powerball sales continued to take a hit due to fewer high jackpots, sales for Louisiana's other jackpot games, Lotto and Easy 5, were strong.

"The increased payouts on our scratch-offs games are creating more winning experiences and our sales reflect that," Hudson explained. "This strategy combined with a focus on player promotions, such as our Saints second-chance drawings and holiday game gift pack giveaways this quarter, have provided players even more entertainment value for their Lottery ticket purchase."

In January, the Lottery kicked off a year-long celebration of its twentieth anniversary with activities geared at educating the public and rewarding players. Currently, social media fans and followers of the Lottery and members of its online players club, Club Lotteaux, can register to win a ride in the Metairie Mardi Gras parade, Krewe of Thor.

In February, the Lottery plans to bring back its popular raffle game with a new twist. Not only will Millionaire Bonus Raffle offer the Lottery's best odds to win $1 million, but players will also have the chance to win $20,000 in five preliminary bonus drawings. The previous two raffles conducted by the Lottery sold out. The Lottery expects the same success with Millionaire Bonus Raffle because the sooner players purchase their tickets, the more chances they'll have to win.

Players can get more information on the Lottery's anniversary celebration, "20 Years of Winning Numbers," by clicking here. 

"It's a wonderful time to look back on how much the Louisiana Lottery has contributed to our state monetarily and culturally," Hudson noted, "as well as thank those business partners, employees and Louisianans who helped make it happen."

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.