Players make Michigan Lottery's Fantasy 5 game a hit

by Commissioner Gary Peters

As retailers, you know that products must change and evolve to match the needs of your customers if you expect to run a successful business. Well, the Lottery is no different, so in September, we replaced Rolldown with Fantasy 5.

I’m pleased to report that the launch was a huge success. As of mid-October, statewide sales were averaging $1.08 million per week. That’s an 89-percent increase over average Michigan Rolldown sales during its final few weeks.

Rolldown had been in play since February of 2000. It was not surprising that the game was at the end of its run, as the life cycle for an online game is usually three to four years. Rolldown’s sales had been declining for some time.

But the jump that sales took with the switch to Fantasy 5—$979,000 in its first week—illustrates the importance of keeping products fresh and the players were ready and waiting for this change.

All signs point to a successful run for Fantasy 5, and your efforts toward making this a reality will be most appreciated.

New instants
On November 1st, two new games will be made available for order: $1 “Money Train” and $2 “I Dream Of Jeannie.” Neither game will have a standing book order, so retailers should call their Lottery sales representative to place their order.

On November 8th, four new instant tickets will start the holiday spirit rolling. The $10 “Holiday Surprise” game features four perforated tickets—two $1 games and two $5 games—packaged inside a colorful foil pouch. At least one winner is guaranteed inside every pouch—players can’t lose.

Also on sale on the 8th are the $2 “Happy Holidays” with top prizes of $25,000, the $5 “’Tis The Season” with top prizes of $250,000, and the $1 “Jingle Bills” with $5,000 top prizes.

“Millions & Millions,” the newest $20 ticket, goes on sale November 22 and features a top prize of $2,000,000 and over 1,000 prizes of $1,000. Players can win up to 25 times on every ticket, and up to $14 million in total prizes is available. Retailers, over $1,400,000 in commissions are available on this $20 game, with $1.20 earned on every ticket sale.

In addition to the “Millions & Millions” instant on November 22, look for the $2 “Snow Bank” with top prizes of $15,000, and the $1 “Cash Tripler” with top prizes of $3,333.