Lottery releases photo commemorating first draw results in the 70's

By Kate Northrop

Today is a memorable day for the Massachusetts Lottery, which is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first lottery drawing in state history.

50 years ago today, the Massachusetts Lottery held its first-ever drawing in its history at Faneuil Hall in Boston, where seven lucky winners were each awarded one the state's first $50,000 top prizes.

"Today is a special day in the Lottery's history," State Treasurer and Massachusetts State Lottery Commission Chair Deborah B. Goldberg said in a press release. "Our first drawing was just the beginning of 50 Years of Winning, and our very first top prize winner was one of many who have been able to turn their Lottery win into lasting memories for their families."

The drawing took place on the morning of April 6, 1972, at which 1971 Miss Massachusetts Deborah Ann O'Brien presented the first winning numbers, 302424 (see photo below).

Donald Cosentino of Gardner, the first person to present a $50,000 winning ticket for verification, brought his ticket to Gardner City Hall later that same day. He can easily recall how the money helped improve his and his family's lives.

"We have five children, and I bought them all bicycles," Cosentino, now 87, told the Lottery. "I was a foreman at a furniture factory. We also bought a camper so that we could all go camping together. We were able to put the money to good use."

Cosentino still lives in Gardner with his wife Aline in the same house they lived in 50 years ago.

In 1972, the draw was called "The Game," where players could win $50,000 by matching all six numbers on their ticket with the numbers drawn. One play cost 50 cents, and a total of 4,783,000 million tickets were sold across the state by more than 3,000 participating sellers.

In addition to the $50,000 top prize, The Game also offered other prize tiers, at which there were several other winners in the first draw. 38 players won $2,500, 467 won $250, and 4,332 won $25. Not only that, but all the cash prize winners and 43,076 additional ticket holders were eligible for a drawing for $1 million held the following month, the Lottery said.

Things have only been looking up for the Massachusetts Lottery since selling its first ticket on March 22, 1972. 50 years later, the Lottery has generated over $137 billion in revenues, awarded over $96 billion in prizes, and returned over $30 billion to the state. The Lottery has also paid out a grand total of $7.8 billion in commissions and bonuses to its retailers.

"The Lottery will continue to celebrate our 50th over the course of the year with a series of promotions and activities," Lottery Interim Executive Director Mark William Bracken said. "We are excited to show our appreciation for the customers, retailers, communities and employees who are all a part of our success story."

(Click to display full-size in gallery)1971 Miss Massachusetts Deborah Ann O'Brien presented the state's first winning numbers on April 6, 1972.