PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwired - Sep 4, 2013) - The Arizona Lottery closed out fiscal year 2013 with a record-breaking $692.9 million in sales, a 7.2 percent increase over the previous fiscal year, and the highest amount in the Arizona Lottery's 31-year history.
As a result of fiscal year 2013's record Lottery sales, the State of Arizona received more than $176.5 million in net funding, the largest transfer amount in Arizona Lottery history and an $11.8 million increase over the previous fiscal year. These dollars support a wide variety of programs under four main pillars: education, health and public welfare, the environment, and economic and business development in cities and towns throughout all 15 counties in the state of Arizona.
Fiscal year 2013 marked the fourth year that every designated beneficiary received full funding as established by the Arizona Legislature.
"Generating more than $176.5 million dollars to support important state programs is a testament to the Lottery's commitment to enrich the lives of Arizona residents," said Jeff Hatch-Miller, executive director of the Arizona Lottery. "We are proud to report record-breaking sales for the sixth consecutive year and are already working toward surpassing this record in the current fiscal year."
Director Hatch-Miller credits much of last year's financial success to the two largest jackpots in Powerball™ history, including the record-breaking $587.5 million jackpot that produced a winner from Fountain Hills, Arizona. The addition of the new draw game Weekly Winnings™ and popular Second Chance Scratchers(SM) games also contributed to fiscal year 2013's financial success.
In addition to the Arizona Lottery's sizable contribution to the state in fiscal year 2013, Lottery retailers large and small earned a record $47.1 million in commissions.
Players must be 21 years or older to purchase or redeem tickets. Winners have 180 days from the drawing date to claim their prize at an Arizona Lottery office or by mail. Overall odds vary by game. All sales are final. In accordance with the ADA, these materials may be made available in an alternative format. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.NEXT STEP (1-800-639-8783). Please Play Responsibly™.
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 -- more than $3.4 million per week -- fund a variety of state programs. Since July 1981, the Arizona Lottery has paid out more than $5.4 billion in prizes to players, more than $3 billion in net funding to the state and more than $638 million in commissions to retailers. Learn more at ArizonaLottery.com.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Jennifer Adler
E.B. Lane
(602) 417-1594