After 18 years, $7 billion in sales and with more than $2.1 billion in proceeds, the Missouri Lottery is still going strong. Since Lottery sales began on Jan. 20, 1986, it has generated more than $7 billion in ticket sales and more than $2.1 billion in profits for the state of Missouri, including public education. Missouri Lottery players have won more than $3.8 billion in prizes.
"The Lottery has really evolved since that first day of ticket sales," said Jim Scroggins, executive director of the Missouri Lottery. "First year sales were a little more than $206 million, and they have grown to more than $708 million during the past fiscal year."
In addition, proceeds, which originally went to the state's General Revenue Fund, have risen from $80 million in 1986 to more than $193.9 million annually, which now goes solely to public education.
Scroggins noted that the Missouri Lottery has made many changes and improvements during the past 18 years, including increasing the number and types of games offered, increasing prize payouts and changing the way the Lottery does business.
"We've increased the prize payouts, added a larger variety of games and we've helped make redemption easier, just to name a few enhancements," said Scroggins. "We continue to look for ways to keep the games fresh and exciting for our players."
A total of 191 Missouri Lottery players have won life-changing jackpots of $1 million or more since 1986, totaling more than $1.3 billion.
Retailers who sell Missouri Lottery products have earned more than $432 million in commissions, incentives and bonuses.
Facts about the past 18 years:
More than $7 billion in Missouri Lottery sales
More than $2.1 billion to the state, including education
More than $3.8 billion in prizes to players
More than $432 million to retailers in commissions and incentives
191 jackpot tickets sold worth $1 million or more, totaling more than $1.3 billion.
(Note: Figures used in this release include FY04 revenues to date; those amounts are unaudited.)
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