Millionaire Raffle to return

by Commissioner Gary Peters

The Lottery had its most successful year ever in 2006.

Revenues were at an all-time high of $2.2 billion; prizes, $1.2 billion; commissions, $165 million; and contribution to the School Aid Fund, $688 million.

Without your role in each of these milestones, the Lottery simply could not exist. This month I’d like to salute our retailers who have achieved at least $1 million in sales.

Each year the list continues to grow, with 46 retailers hitting this mark in 2006. This is quite an accomplishment and a testament to how hard all of you are working.

Leading the pack are two retailers who deserve special mention because in 2006 they sold $2 million worth of Lottery tickets: Oak Liquor and Wine in Oak Park and Carmen’s Liquor & Deli in Detroit.

Retailers, thanks again for all your hard work.

Opportunity
Retailers will have a chance to earn extra commission March 11 through April 8. Customers who purchase a $40,000,000 “Spectacular” instant game ticket can redeem a coupon with their favorite retailer and receive a free $2 instant ticket.

You will receive the 6-percent sales commission on the $2 ticket and will be eligible for a 2-percent cashing commission on that ticket as well. The one-time coupon can be found in select home-delivered, Sunday newspapers on March 11.

Millionaire Raffle
The next Millionaire Raffle will launch on Monday, March 12. The drawing will be Friday, April 20.

Last year tickets sold out in just 11 days. We expect tickets to go just as fast this year.

New instants
March 5: $2 Deal or No Deal
March 12: $5 Single Double Triple Bingo
March 19: $2 4-Way Bingo
March 26: $1 Filthy Rich
April 2: $5 Detroit Tigers
April 2: $1 Cherry Twist
April 9: $5 Mom’s the Word

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 2006, the contribution was $688 million.

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