Arizona Lottery Enters 30th Anniversary With Record-Breaking Sales

PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - Aug 26, 2011) - The Arizona Lottery closed out fiscal year 2011 with a record-breaking $583.5 million in sales, the highest amount in the Arizona Lottery's 30-year history and a 5.8% increase over the previous fiscal year.

As a result of 2011's record lottery sales, the state of Arizona received more than $146 million in net profits, which is the largest amount transferred in Arizona Lottery's history. These dollars were allocated to fund a wide variety of public projects and programs throughout Arizona that fall under four important pillars: healthcare, programs for the homeless, economic development and education. Fiscal year 2011 marked the first year that every designated beneficiary received full funding up to the caps established by the Arizona Legislature, with an excess of funds also going to the state's general fund to help balance the budget.

"We are proud to report these record-breaking sales figures, particularly as we enter our 30^th anniversary year," said Jeff Hatch-Miller, executive director of the Arizona Lottery. "Transferring more than $146 million in revenue to the state in the midst of a severe recession bodes well for our future performance and is a testament to our commitment to generate revenues that directly impact and improve the quality of life for Arizona residents."

"Through the support of the Arizona Lottery funds, thousands of families who are struggling to raise children have a trusted home visitor who helps them achieve their goals, keep their young children safe and healthy, and strengthen their family life," said Rebecca Ruffner, executive director, Prevent Child Abuse Arizona and chair of the Healthy Families Arizona Steering Committee. Healthy Families Arizona is a nationally accredited child abuse prevention program that is both highly successful and cost effective.

In addition to the Arizona Lottery's sizable contribution to the state in fiscal year 2011, Lottery retailers large and small earned more than $39 million in commissions, which many of them rely upon to support their businesses.

"Arizona Lottery tickets are Circle K customers' favorites," said Leona Burke, business manager, Circle K. "The Lottery brings many customers through our doors, which in turn, brings in great business for us. More than ever, we appreciate the support we get from our Lottery customers."

Director Hatch-Miller credits much of this year's financial success to the more than 10 percent increase in Scratchers ticket sales, the sold-out Millionaire Raffle, and notable changes to many of the games that now offer bigger prizes, higher payouts and more winners.

"We've begun working aggressively toward meeting fiscal year 2012 goals and making our 30^th anniversary year one to remember," said Hatch-Miller. "Our focus is on introducing new, innovative products, building partnerships, and using technology that attracts players and delivers sound results for Arizona Lottery beneficiaries throughout the state."

In honor of its 30^th anniversary, the Arizona Lottery has developed three commemorative second-chance Scratchers tickets scheduled to launch at various times throughout the year. To learn more, please visit ArizonaLottery.com.

About the Arizona Lottery
The Arizona Lottery operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products; it receives no General Fund dollars from the State. Proceeds from sales of Lottery tickets -- nearly $3 million per week -- fund a variety of state programs. Since July 1981, the Arizona Lottery has paid out more than $4.6 billion in prizes to players, nearly $2.7 billion in net profit to the state and more than $550 million in commissions to retailers.