7 state lotteries join forces for multi-state raffle

Aug 30, 2013, 4:34 pm (67 comments)

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Tickets on sale Sept. 8

by Todd Northrop

Seven United States lotteries will offer a first-of-its-kind multi-state raffle that goes on sale in about a week.

Called the Multi-state Millions Raffle (and possibly other names in the participating states), it's guaranteed to hand out $1 million prizes — just how many depends on how many of the $10 tickets are sold in the participating states.

"All of the lotteries are looking for new ideas and new games and new things to do to generate revenue," Ohio Lottery spokeswoman Danielle Frizzi-Babb said. "This one comes with less financial risk. We're in it with a large group."

The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) in Urbandale, Iowa, will run the game. It is the same group that now oversees the Mega Millions and Powerball lotteries.

So far, seven state lotteries have committed to the raffle:  Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Oklahoma.

Multi-state Millions RaffleRaffle tickets will be on sale at lottery retailers in the seven states from Sept. 8 through Oct. 31.  The raffle drawing will take place on Nov. 1.

Unlike Mega Millions and Powerball, in which the money keeps growing until someone matches six numbers, the raffle is guaranteed to hand out cash.

"Raffles are a popular concept and the must-be-won concept is popular with a lot of folks," said Charles Strutt, executive director of the Multi-State Lottery Association.

He said the plan is to hold the raffle — which will go by different names in different states — only once or twice a year.

The association estimates that there could be 16 to 30 $1 million prizes given out.  If there's no $1 million winner drawn from a participating state, there will be a $50,000 runner-up prize awarded to one winner from that state.

In the past decade, raffles have become a somewhat popular and successful new game type in some states.  Most states have tried raffles, and a few states have raffle drawings regularly during the year.

For a state lottery, raffles can be risky ventures, because although they typically guarantee certain prize payouts, there is no guarantee they will sell out all the tickets.  Although there is still no guarantee of success for the lotteries in a multi-state raffle, banding together with other states may help spread the risk, as well as spreading the marketing cost and impact.

"This is something that really has never been done before," Frizzi-Babb said.

People will be able to buy as many tickets as they want in the upcoming Multi-state Millions Raffle.

Frizzi-Babb said it's not clear how much states could profit from the venture. The Ohio Lottery has estimated it could sell anywhere from $5 million to $10 million in tickets.

Lottery Post Staff

Comments

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Sounds good to me Smash

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

Oklahoma Thudis this a jokeBig Grin Ridge they finally took your idea of a National Raffle LotteryThumbs Up

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by dallascowboyfan on Aug 30, 2013

Oklahoma Thudis this a jokeBig Grin Ridge they finally took your idea of a National Raffle LotteryThumbs Up

Thanks rdgrnr for your ideasParty

Todd's avatarTodd

I absolutely love the idea.  MUSL is finally being used in different ways by the the lotteries.  They are an excellent lottery operator, and their involvement normally indicates that the game was thoroughly vetted and will be well-run.

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

I don't know yet I am the OLC website trying to find more information.

RedStang's avatarRedStang

Oh no, NJ is involved. Finally something different. I'm glad, but amazed NY joined in.

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Thumbs Up

haymaker's avatarhaymaker

Quote: Originally posted by RedStang on Aug 30, 2013

Oh no, NJ is involved. Finally something different. I'm glad, but amazed NY joined in.

Crackin up man, soon as I seen N.Y. on the list I thought they'll win most. LOL

 

On a more serious note, looks like I found a use for the $208 a year I won't be spending on MM

If they have 2 raffles a year @ $10 a ticket I can afford 10 tix. ea. time and remain on budget.

Think's avatarThink

Well I'm confused.  Michigan is advertising a Halloween raffle that starts September 3.

Will we have two raffles running at the same time?

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Quote: Originally posted by dallascowboyfan on Aug 30, 2013

Oklahoma Thudis this a jokeBig Grin Ridge they finally took your idea of a National Raffle LotteryThumbs Up

Yeah, seems to me I oughta get free tickets for life or something for comin' up with the idea.

And at least one of 'em a guaranteed million dollar winner.

That's the least they should do.

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Not one southern state.

What a rip.

I'd like to know if this was open to all states and only those 7 signed on.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on Aug 30, 2013

Sounds good to me Smash

You can B the first winner. Only $10. per ticket.

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on Aug 30, 2013

Thanks rdgrnr for your ideasParty

You're welcome.  Big Grin

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on Aug 30, 2013

You can B the first winner. Only $10. per ticket.

I Agree! i will tryHurray! i will get 3 Yes Nod 

So far, seven state lotteries have committed to the raffle:  Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Oklahoma.

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