Lottery Announces End of Sales for $1,000,000 Spectacular and Second-Chance Drawing Entry Deadline

At the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, the Louisiana Lottery will end sales of its blockbuster scratch-off game, $1,000,000 Spectacular, offering players a chance to win up to $200,000 instantly or enter nonwinning tickets for a chance to win $1 million.

"Even though sales of the game will end on Dec. 31, players have until April 2, 2007, to get their nonwinning tickets to the drawing address on the back of the ticket to enter the second-chance drawing," explained Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations Bonny Botts. "This is an exciting time at the Lottery as we countdown to giving away $1 million!"

On April 4, five finalists for the $1 million second-chance prize will be chosen in a preliminary drawing. The five finalists will then participate in the "Spectacular Drawing," date to be announced, to determine the winner of the $1 million prize. Each of the other four finalists will win $5,000.

The $1 million prize is an annuity payable in 20 annual installments of $50,000. The winner also has the option of choosing a single cash payment of $670,000. All prizes are subject to required withholdings.

Players can enter the drawing by mailing one completed nonwinning $1,000,000 Spectacular ticket in an envelope no larger than 4.5" x 9.5" to the drawing address on the back of the ticket. Entries must be received at the drawing address by April 2, 2007, to be eligible.

As of Nov. 4, 2006, two of the four $200,000 instant prizes in the game have been claimed, most recently by Earnest Darcey of Houma who purchased his ticket at BJ's Country Corner #2 on West Main Street in Houma.

Lottery ticket purchasers and second-chance drawing entrants must be at least 21 years of age. The Lottery also reminds players that anyone who has a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem are encouraged to call toll-free 1-877-770-7867 for help.