Wisconsin lottery sets all-time sales record during fiscal year 2012

MADISON – The Wisconsin Lottery set an all-time record with $547.4 million in ticket sales in the fiscal year that ended June 30 (fiscal year 2012).  The $547.4 million in sales generates an estimated $150 million in property tax relief for Wisconsin homeowners. 

The $547.4 million broke the previous record of $518.9 million set in 1995. 

Statewide, Lottery retailers earned more than $38 million from their ticket sales and players won more than $250 million in prizes during the year. Instant ticket sales grew by $20 million, setting a new record of $322.3 million in instant sales in fiscal year 2012. 

Lotto sales were driven by the Lottery's two multi-state jackpot games:  (1) Powerball became a $2 game in January and increased 20% over the previous year, and (2) Mega Millions sales were up 29%, because of a world record $650 million jackpot in March. 

The Lottery is also using technology to better identify retailers who are selling through packs of instant tickets and are ready to receive more.  In addition, the Lottery has reduced the number of scratch tickets that it offers at any one time, which has led to an increase in sales because players can quickly decide which game they would like to play.

The Wisconsin Lottery has generated more than $3 billion for property tax relief since 1988. 

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