Arizona Lottery Reports Strong Mid-Year Results

Lottery sales are pacing 7.8% over the previous fiscal year.

January 27, 2014

PHOENIX – The Arizona Lottery announced its mid-year results today, with sales pacing 7.8% over fiscal year 2013 and currently totaling more than $349.5 million.

The year-to-date Arizona Lottery sales are largely due to a 9.5% increase in the sale of Scratchers tickets and a 4.8% increase in the sale of draw game tickets.

“The nearly record-breaking Mega Millions jackpot run this fiscal year, following the game’s redesign, resulted in a huge increase of Mega Millions ticket sales statewide,” said Jeff Hatch-Miller, executive director of the Arizona Lottery. “This surge in Mega Millions sales, along with the introduction of new products, heavily contributed to our strong mid-year sales figures.”

The Mega Millions game was redesigned in October 2013 to have larger starting jackpots, faster-growing jackpots, a $1 million second prize and better odds of winning any prize. Since the game’s redesign, Arizona has sold two $1 million Mega Millions second prize winning tickets. The redesign of the game and the near-record jackpot has resulted in a 101.9% increase in Mega Millions sales over the same period last year.

In addition to the Mega Millions redesign, the Arizona Lottery launched several new Scratchers tickets this fiscal year. “Introducing innovative new products that appeal to our players is key to continuing this upward sales trend,” Hatch-Miller said. “It already has been an outstanding year for the Arizona Lottery, and we take pride in delivering sound results for Lottery beneficiaries and retailers throughout the state.”

As a result of Arizona Lottery sales, the state of Arizona has received more than $77.6 million in net proceeds year-to-date. Arizona Lottery dollars fund a wide variety of public projects and programs such as education, health and public welfare, the environment and economic and business.

Lottery retailers also have benefitted from the record sales, earning more than $22.5 million in commissions year-to-date.

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