The Arizona Lottery ended the 2008 fiscal year with a record-breaking $472 million in sales—the highest in the Lottery’s 27-year history. And as a result, beneficiaries received more than $144.5 million, a 3% percent increase over last year’s distributions.

 These dollars fund a wide variety of public projects and programs, including transportation, health care, parks, education, arts, wildlife and historic preservation in cities and towns across the state. Additionally, Lottery retailers earned an impressive $31.1 million in commissions—also a record--and Lottery players collected almost $263 million in prizes.

 

We are tremendously proud of our more than 2600 retailers, our employees, and our vendors, who worked so hard this year to meet some very optimistic sales goals.  The declining economy and rising fuel prices have impacted everyone, including lotteries. We followed through on a strategy to introduce new products for the first time in nine years, including two $20 games, and to update several other player favorites. At the same time, we were determined to not lose sight of players who enjoy the entertainment value of a $1 or $2 purchase; we offered new products at those price points, too. This strategy positions us well for next year, when the Lottery will play a pivotal role in funding a $1 billion investment in the State’s three universities, key economic drivers in Arizona.

The Lottery Commission meets regularly to transact business brought before the group. Commission meetings are open to the public, and are held on the third Friday of each month. Unless otherwise posted, meetings are held at 10:00 am at the Lottery’s Phoenix Office at 4740 E. University Drive.

 

 Administrative rules governing the operation of the Lottery are contained in Title 19 of the Arizona Administrative Code. Rules are available online at the Secretary of State’s website at www.azsos.gov .