Arizona Lottery Reports Record-Breaking Sales Amidst Down Economy

PHOENIX, AZ–(Marketwire – August 31, 2010) –  The Arizona Lottery closed out the 2010 fiscal year with a record-breaking $551 million in sales — the highest amount in the Lottery’s history and a 13.8 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. Nationally, the Arizona Lottery ranks No. 1 in the country in the percentage increase of overall lottery sales.

As a result of 2010 lottery sales, the state of Arizona received nearly $142 million in net profits. These dollars will fund a wide variety of public projects and programs, including healthcare, wildlife, homeless programs, economic development and education in cities and towns throughout all 15 Arizona counties.

“We are proud to report these record-breaking sales figures, particularly at a time in our state’s history when every dollar counts,” said Jeff Hatch-Miller, executive director of the Arizona Lottery. “Raising almost $142 million in revenue for the state bodes well for our future performance. The Arizona Lottery is committed to its mission of generating revenues that directly impact and improve the quality of life for all our citizens.”

Don Cardon, Director of Arizona’s Department of Commerce, recently stated, “This support [of the Arizona Lottery] has proven critical in the current economy in order to continue the Arizona Commerce and Economic Development Commission’s (CEDC) wide array of economic development activities, including fostering economic sustainability programs in rural commercial districts, start-up funding for research and development institutes associated with Arizona’s university core competencies, securing loans to businesses expanding or relocating in Arizona, and developing the technology foundation that enables all businesses in Arizona to grow and prosper.” 

Mark Holleran, executive director of Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) stated in support of the Arizona Lottery, “In an unprecedented time of declining resources and increasing need in our communities, the support from the Arizona Lottery played a vital role in allowing service providers to continue delivering critical emergency and transitional shelter and supportive services to thousands of homeless men, women and children throughout our state.”

In addition to revenue for the state, Lottery retailers large and small earned a sizeable $37 million in commissions. 

Director Hatch-Miller credits much of this year’s financial success to the continued success of the $100 Million Cash Spectacular instant ticket and the introduction of new products such as the national drawing game, Mega Millions, as well as notable changes to Scratchers games that now offer bigger prizes, higher payouts and more winners.

“The Arizona Lottery has been and continues to be a great partner to the Retail Food Industry in Arizona. Jeff and his team are constantly looking for ideas to drive sales and keep the Lottery games exciting,” writes Paul Bancroft-Turner, Marketing Coordinator for the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance. “Even in today’s tough economy, Lottery sales continue to grow and Arizona Food Retailers appreciate their effort.”

Hatch-Miller said that the Arizona Lottery has begun working aggressively toward meeting next year’s revenue goals for programs established by the Arizona Legislature, and introducing new, innovative products, partnerships and industry technology that will continue to deliver sound results for Arizona Lottery beneficiaries throughout the state. To learn more, visit www.arizonalottery.com, www.Facebook.com/ArizonaLottery or www.Twitter.com/AZLottery.

About the Arizona Lottery
The Arizona Lottery operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products; it receives no General Fund dollars from the State. Proceeds from sales of Lottery tickets — nearly $3 million per week — fund a variety of state programs. Since July 1981, the Arizona Lottery has paid out over $4.2 billion in prizes to players, more than $2.5 billion in net profit to the state, and almost $510 million in commissions to retailers.

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