PHOENIX (Dec. 18, 2009) — On June 30 of this year, the Arizona Lottery closed out its 2009 fiscal year with a record-breaking $484 million in sales—the highest amount in the Lottery’s history and a 2.4 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. As the end of the calendar year approaches, sales numbers for fiscal year 2010 are already trending strongly higher.

“Reflecting on accomplishments and goals is a New Year’s tradition,” said Jeff Hatch-Miller, executive director of the Arizona Lottery. “The $129 million in revenue the Lottery provided to the state last year was certainly a high point at a time in our state’s history when every dollar counts.  Looking forward, we’re off to an even stronger start in the current 2010 fiscal year.”

Already this year, Arizona’s General Fund and the Heritage Fund—two of the agency’s largest beneficiaries—are more than 50 percent funded. Funding for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program is already double what it was last fiscal year at this point. An additional six Lottery beneficiaries are approximately 40 percent funded. 

“Like any business, we must be constantly aware of the economic climate. We have shifted our strategy to better reflect player preferences.  We must keep in mind that they’re affected by this economy, too,” said Hatch-Miller.  “A good example is the $20 Millionaire Raffle Holiday Edition. Players love the additional prizes, especially during the holidays.”

Helping to fuel the holiday excitement, the Millionaire Raffle Holiday Edition is offering just 300,000 tickets. The drawing will be held Jan. 4, adding to the excitement and anticipation that already comes with the New Year. This ticket is also matching the Arizona Lottery’s sales goals.

“Also strong performers during this season are the Arizona Lottery Holiday Scratchers™.  In the market now, sales on these tickets are trending higher than last fiscal year,” said Hatch-Miller. “This group of games alone may generate as much as $12 million in sales. We now have one of the strongest line-ups of tickets at a variety of price points. These games are critical to helping the Lottery fully fund all of its beneficiaries this fiscal year.”