’07 another record-setter

by Tom Weber, Acting Lottery Commissioner

In 2006 the Lottery set records in sales, prizes paid, commissions paid and contribution to the state School Aid Fund. We considered this a great accomplishment.

With the close of fiscal year 2007, I am pleased to report that we have yet again broken our own records. With sales of over $2.3 billion, prizes paid at over $1.35 billion, retailer commissions at over $170 million, and net to School Aid at over $740 million, the Lottery continues to be an outstanding success.

Thanks to all of you, our retailer partners. Without your participation, the Lottery could not exist. We appreciate all of your efforts.

Raffle update
Just in time for the holidays, the Lottery will launch a $20 Millionaire Raffle game on Nov. 19. Be sure to remind your customers that this is a great gift idea for friends and families on their lists. As with previous Millionaire Raffles, this game will offer players the best odds ever to win $1 million.

The Millionaire Raffle will offer 600,000 tickets and has six prizes of $1 million, 12 prizes of $100,000 and 2,000 prizes of $500.

As with all previous raffle games, six-digit tickets, beginning with 000001, will be issued in numerical order as sales occur across the state. When ticket number 600,000 is reached, sales will close. Players will not be able to choose their own numbers and must match the exact number as drawn by the Lottery.

The drawing for this game will be no earlier than January 2, 2008. If all tickets are not sold out by January 2, the drawing will be conducted within 10 days of sellout.

Instants
With the holiday season upon us, you will want to remind your customers that Michigan Lottery tickets make great gifts for family and friends.

The Millionaire Raffle ticket is one option, but there are plenty of others, including many holiday-themed instant tickets. Be sure all these tickets are fully stocked.

Please note that new instant games shipping in late December will arrive on Friday, December 21, rather than the typical Monday arrival date. This will help ensure that you have plenty of inventory on the weekend before the holiday.

November instants:
$1 Cashing Through The Dough
$1 Rollin’ in the Dough
$2 Evergreen
$5 Holiday Gold
$10 Treasure Tree
$20 Double Red Millions

December instants:
$2 Winner Wishes
$2 Wild Number Bingo
$2 Crazy Wild Time
$2 Doubling Red 7’s
$5 Super Gems

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