FLORIDA LOTTERY CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF WINNING

01/19/08 FLORIDA LOTTERY CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF WINNING

TALLAHASSEE - On January 12, 2008, the Florida Lottery kicked off its 20th anniversary by hosting a series of community events throughout the state - most taking place at Florida Lottery district offices.
Lottery players were given the opportunity to win great prizes and receive
a free Florida Lottery 20th anniversary t-shirt, as well as a slice of
birthday cake.
Since inception, the Florida Lottery has contributed more than
$18 billion to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF). Over the past
20 years, more than 1,045 lottery players have become millionaires and millions more have won smaller prizes, with prize payments totaling more than $26.5 billion as of December 31, 2007.

Florida Lottery ticket sales began on January 12, 1988 with
the first $1 Scratch-Off game, MILLIONAIRE. The game was an instant hit,
with sales exceeding $95 million in the first week alone - setting a lottery
industry record. On April 29, 1988, FLORIDA LOTTO and CASH 3 launched,
becoming the Florida Lottery's first On-line games.
Twenty years later, the Lottery has offered five core On-line games (FLORIDA LOTTO, MEGA MONEY™, FANTASY 5®, PLAY 4™ and CASH 3), more than 600 Scratch-Off games, and more than 30 special promotions and limited-time games.
Since the launch of MILLIONAIRE, Florida Lottery ticket sales have
remained strong. In 1990, two years after sales began, the Florida Lottery became a multi-billion-dollar-a-year entity with annual sales surpassing the $2 billion mark. Since then, the Lottery has experienced incredible sales growth - especially over the past five years, resulting in contributions to the EETF of more than $1 billion per year. In fiscal year 2006-07, for the first time since its inception, the Lottery's annual net sales exceeded $4 billion, resulting in more than $1.26 billion to the state's public education system.
"The Florida Lottery's success has been 20 years in the making.
The Lottery's mission continues to be fulfilled year after year as a result of a united effort among Lottery staff, players, supporters and retailers. By working together, the Lottery will continue to provide entertainment to players while carrying out its mission of maximizing revenues for the enhancement of public education in our state," said Florida Lottery Secretary Leo DiBenigno. "As the Lottery enters its 20th year of operation, we recognize the need to re-energize our efforts and strive to meet the challenges resulting from the slowing growth typical of mature lotteries," added Secretary DiBenigno.