Forty-nine top $1 million

By M. Scott Bowen, Lottery Commissioner

Once again, Michigan Lottery retailers have done an outstanding job selling Lottery products. In 2007, 48 retailers achieved $1 million or more in Lottery sales, and one retailer, Oak Liquor and Wine in Oak Park, crossed the $2 million mark.

Congratulations to each of these sellers and to all of our retailers. We would not be in business without you.

Kudos to Shopper’s Market, with locations in Warren and Center Line, for its promotion with the Lottery’s State of Michigan ticket. The ticket is awarding eight pre-paid college tuitions, through the state’s Michigan Education Trust.

For every State of Michigan ticket that Shopper’s sells until May 11, the store will contribute 15 cents to area public schools for one graduating senior. Plus, on May 14 Shopper’s will conduct a drawing to give away a Lottery tote bag filled with goodies.

If you are interested in doing a special promotion with this or any other ticket, please share your ideas with your sales rep.

Instants news
The Detroit Tigers $5 ticket—a relaunch of last spring’s Tiger ticket—will have a drawing for 26 Detroit Tiger prize packs on May 22.

Players can enter the drawing either through Player City (www.playercity.net) or by mail to the address on the back of the tickets; the entry deadline is May 15. More information is available at www.playercity.net.

Retailers might notice that with Vegas Boulevard, we are back to the 200s in our three-digit game numbering system. Having gone as far as we can with three digits we now return to where we started.

Daily Double reminder
Remember that although Daily 3 & 4 Daily Double games ended on Sunday, March 9, 2008, you can validate winning Daily Double tickets within one year of the sale date.

Over 95 cents of every dollar spent on Lottery tickets goes to the state School Aid Fund, prizes to players and commissions to retailers. In fiscal year 2007, the contribution to schools was $748.9 million.

Since its inception in 1972, the Lottery has contributed more than $14.3 billion to education in Michigan. For additional information, please visit the Lottery’s website at www.michigan.gov/lottery.