Arizona Lottery Reports Record-Breaking Mid-Year Results

PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - Jan 25, 2012) - The Arizona Lottery recently announced its mid-year results with sales currently pacing a record-breaking 8.8% percent over fiscal year 2011.

As a result of the record year-to-date Lottery sales, the State of Arizona has received almost $65 million in net proceeds. The Lottery dollars were allocated to fund a wide variety of public projects and programs throughout Arizona that fall under four important pillars: education, health & public welfare, economic & business development and the environment.

"We could not be more proud in being able to report these strong sales figures, especially during our 30th anniversary year," said Jeff Hatch-Miller, executive director of the Arizona Lottery. "The Lottery's tremendous success is a testament to staying focused on our business plan, which identifies products, marketing, and sales tools that result in revenue that directly impacts and improves the quality of life for Arizona residents."

In addition to the Arizona Lottery's sizable contribution to the State this year, more than $183 million has been paid out to players in the form of prizes. Lottery retailers large and small throughout the state also have benefitted from the record Lottery sales, earning more than $19 million in commissions year-to-date, which many of them rely upon to support their businesses.

"We are confident that our strong sales trend will continue through the end of the year as we work aggressively toward meeting 2012 goals," 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. We have built a strategic foundation through research and best practices to exceed industry standards and expect to report record-breaking end-of-year results as well."

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.