Retailers’ commissions up 10 percent
by Commissioner Gary Peters

Instant tickets continue to rank near the top as the Lottery’s most popular product, with sales expected to top a whopping $700 million this year.

We recently received a big boost when, in early April, the $1 Lucky Dog ticket was featured on the front page of The Detroit News. As the story pointed out, we introduce over 70 new instant games each year, and I’m proud of the efforts of our retailers in maintaining this high sales volume.

In addition to strong instant sales, the Lottery’s overall revenues are up over the previous year at this time. And as sales continue to grow, the important news for you, our retailer partners, is that commissions continue to grow as well.

Commissions are up 10.4 percent for the year to date. Being a Lottery retailer has definite rewards—the proof is in the commissions.

In May we have a number of instant game-related drawings on tap. With these “second chance” drawings, players have more than just cash to play for.

May 9 was the date of our third and final Red Wings drawing. Over the course of three drawings, more than 500 Red Wings merchandise prize packs will have been awarded. Also, one Grand Prize winner was selected in each drawing to receive the choice of an all-expenses- paid Red Wings home game travel package, road game package, or a Sony® 42” LCD television.

This ticket has been an outstanding success; in fact, it sold out of our warehouse in just seven weeks.

Retailers aren’t left out of the fun either, as we have a Las Vegas trip giveaway scheduled as part of the Raceway Riches “Bonus Laps” promotion. On May 17, GTECH will select one winner for a trip for two to the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Entries were earned for every book settled between March 13 and May 12.

On May 11, the next round of five $300,000 Texas Hold ‘Em drawings was scheduled to begin. Five grand prizes and 320 prize packs will be given away in each drawing.

Grand prizes include one entry into a World Serious of Poker (WSOP) tournament event (maximum of $10,000 buy-in) at winner’s choice of tournaments located in the continental U.S. during the 2005 or 2006 WSOP season; round-trip airfare; hotel accommodations for seven days/six nights; $1,000 cash; tickets for two to the WSOP Finals of the tournament (one if winner advances to the final table); and two WSOP prize packs.

Each prize pack will include a folding game table top; a 300-chip poker set with two decks of cards and aluminum carrying case; a black leather duffle bag; a professional playing card set; and a WSOP clock, glass tumbler set and hat.

All proceeds from the Lottery are contributed to the state School Aid Fund, which supports kindergarten through 12th grade public education in Michigan. In fiscal year 2005, the contribution was $667.6 million.

For additional information, please visit the Lottery’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/lottery.