Lottery Announces Results for the Millionaire Raffle Drawing

The Louisiana Lottery announced the results of this morning's drawing for its first-ever raffle game, Millionaire Raffle.  In all, 506 raffle numbers won $1.5 million in cash prizes.

"Millionaire Raffle offered our players the best odds ever to win $1 million, with only 300,000 tickets originally available.  The game sold out on April 4. Now that the drawing has occurred, we are anxious to meet the Louisiana Lottery's newest millionaire," said Lottery President Rose Hudson.

The game's $1 million top cash prize was won by raffle number 234633, which was purchased at Studebaker Texaco Travel Plaza on Frontage Road in Rayne. This retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus from the Lottery for selling the winning ticket.

There were also five winning raffle numbers worth $50,000 each.  These tickets were purchased at the following Lottery retailers: Jim's Circle S Food Store on Highway 41 in Pearl River; Wego Texaco on Westbank Expressway in Westwego; Circle K #9727 on Plank Road in Baton Rouge; T.G. Mini Mart #2 on Highway 51 South in Tangipahoa; and Riverside Travel Center on Pump Slough Road in Pearl River.  Each of these retailers will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning tickets.

Finally, there were 500 winning raffle numbers worth $500 each.  Copies of the drawing results will also be distributed at all Louisiana Lottery offices and by mail to those who request a copy. For security and practical purposes, drawing results will not be given over the phone.

As with all Lottery draw-style games, prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing, which is Oct. 12, 2008 for Millionaire Raffle. Original tickets are needed to claim any prize.  The $1 million top prize must be claimed at Lottery headquarters in Baton Rouge. Prizes of $50,000 must be claimed at any Lottery office, and $500 prizes may be claimed at any participating Lottery retailer.

Hudson advised players to sign the back of their tickets for security purposes prior to claiming any prize.

Odds of winning the $1 million prize were 1 in 300,000.  Odds of winning any prize were 1 in 593. Like all Lottery games, 50 percent of Millionaire Raffle ticket sales is used to fund the game's prizes; 35 percent is transferred to the state for the Minimum Foundation Program which funds public education in Louisiana; at least 5 percent is paid as commission to retailers that sell tickets; and less than 10 percent is retained by the Lottery to fund its operations.

Complete game rules for Millionaire Raffle are available on the Millionaire Raffle web page.  Players must be at least 21 years of age to purchase Lottery tickets. In addition, the Lottery cautions players to play responsibly. Help is available to those who may have a gambling problem by calling toll-free, 1-877-770-7867.