Lottery First Quarter Revenue Up; Transfers to State Exceed Budget

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For the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation transferred $34 million, up 5.2 percent from 2011 and exceeding budgeted transfers by more than $1.4 million.

With first-quarter revenue of $97,169,064, the Lottery contributed $34,009,180 to the state. 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. 

Lottery President Rose Hudson credited the Lottery's success over the last three months to continued growth in scratch-off sales, which outpaced last year's record levels, as well as solid increases in draw-style game sales due to high Pick 3 and Pick 4 payouts and two Powerball jackpots that exceeded $100 million. 

"Our daily game players had a lot of winning experiences this quarter which drive Pick 3 and Pick 4 sales. That combined with a big Powerball jackpot of $228 million in August helped fuel draw-style game sales," Hudson noted. "In addition, promotions and buzz surrounding our New Orleans Saints, Choot 'EmTM and anniversary-themed games supported scratch-off sales momentum."

Retailers earn five percent sales commission on Lottery tickets, plus incentives for cashing winning tickets and bonuses for selling winning tickets, totaling about $5 million for July through September of 2011. 

"I'm extremely proud of the job our staff has done to create exciting, value-added games for our players, income-generating opportunities for local businesses and additional revenue for the state," added Hudson. "What's more, those accomplishments are achieved in a culture that values excellence and integrity as evidenced by our recently attaining a renewal of our industry quality best practices verification."

Hudson also noted that Lottery ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age and encouraged anyone with a gambling problem, or friends of anyone with a gambling problem, to call toll-free 1-877-770-7867 for assistance. For security purposes, the Lottery strongly encourages players to sign the back of their tickets after purchasing.

More information on the Louisiana Lottery can be found on its website, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/louisianalottery or Twitter at www.twitter.com/LALottery.