Next Draw: Tuesday April 29, 2025
$70,000,000 Estimated Advertised Annuity Jackpot Cash Value: $31,800,000
Lottery History Milestones
Although the Louisiana Lottery Corporation has officially been around since 1991, you might be surprised to learn that we’re a relatively new addition to the story of the lotteries! Lean more about how we fit in:
History of Lotteries
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205 BC - 1500s: The Early Lotteries
In one form or another, lottery-style games have been around for centuries.
205-187 BC
The Chinese Han dynasty use a keno type game to finance major government projects, including the Great Wall of China.27 BC-19 AD
Augustus, the Roman emperor of the day, sells lottery tickets to fund infrastructure repairs in the city of Rome.1515
A game, Lotto, occurs in the Italian Republic of Genoa. Citizens guess which candidates will be selected to become members of the Senate. -
1600s - 1800s: A New Nation and the First Louisiana Lottery
As the age of exploration continued, European ideals—and gaming—made landfall in North America.
1600s
Money generated from lottery sales in Europe finances everything from construction and charities to funding for the North American colonies. Overseas, American colonists in Jamestown use lottery sales to keep the colony going through long, harsh winters.1780s
In the wake of the American Revolutionary War, lottery sales provide the necessary cash flow to rebuild towns and cities—all without taxation.1868
Entrepreneurs in Louisiana establish the privately-owned Louisiana Lottery Company and begin selling tickets nationwide. Tickets are sold in fractions, from one-quarter cent to 25 cents.1890
The Company shuts down amid state and national corruption charges. By 1894, legal lotteries are no longer held in the US. -
1960s - 1980s: The Rebirth of the North American Lottery
Decades after the last legal lottery was held in the United States, the lottery industry returned.
1964
New Hampshire begins a sweepstakes lottery, bringing the North American lottery industry back to life.1970
The New Jersey Lottery forms a retailer network and begins using machines to produce and sell tickets.1990
Louisiana voters approve a constitutional amendment creating the Louisiana Lottery Corporation.
History Snapshot of the Louisiana Lottery
After being officially approved by votes, here's a quick history of our efforts:
1991
The very first Louisiana-themed instant scratch-off game, "Louisiana Treasures", goes on sale in Louisiana.
1992
The first draw-style jackpot game, Lotto, is introduced, with a starting jackpot of $2 million. The Pick 3 game launches with daily drawings.
1993
The cumulative Lottery sales to date officially cross the $1 billion benchmark. Yes, that's billion with a "b".
1994
The Louisiana Lottery Corporation begins using automated drawing machines for all of its in-state games.
1995
Louisiana Lottery becomes the 19th state lottery to join the new multistate draw-style game, Powerball.
1996
The Problem Gambling Helpline is launched and the number is added to all Lottery tickets and advertising.
1999
The Pick 4 game is introduced with daily drawings. Cumulative treasury transfers from the Corporation reach $1 billion.
2000
Louisiana Lottery Corporation headquarters moves to its permanent building in downtown Baton Rouge.
2004
A constitutional amendment dedicates Lottery proceeds to the Minimum Foundation Program, which funds public education in Louisiana.
2006
The Louisiana Lottery becomes the FIRST in North America to receive industry verification of its quality assurance processes.
2007
The Louisiana Lottery Corporation relaunches its Easy 5 draw-style game with a starting jackpot of $50,000.
2009
The Lottery begins its annual partnership with the New Orleans Saints to create a team-themed scratch-off game.
2011
The Lottery joins its second multistate jackpot game, Mega Millions, with a $1-per-play draw-style game featuring starting jackpots of $12 million.
2013
Looking to increase its retail presence, the Louisiana Lottery deploys self-serve ticket machines called WinStations to select retailers.
2016
The Lottery receives the Sharon Sharp Good Causes Award for best growth in beneficiary contributions among any North American lottery..
2020
Louisiana Lottery launches its official mobile app allowing players to view winning numbers, check tickets, and more from their device.
2021
Louisiana Lottery launches its first Fast Play games at $1, $2, $3, $5, and $10 price points. The Pick 5 game launches with daily drawings.
2023
Louisiana Lottery ends their best year ever, with revenue topping $653 million and more than $212 million contributed to K-12 public education.