PHOENIX (March 15, 2010) — Fans of Arizona’s own jackpot game, The Pick, can now get their winning numbers sent directly to the palm of their hands via text messages in English and Spanish—a strategic approach to reaching a growing number of Arizonans who have a mobile phone. Even the lovable Arizona Lottery mascot Windfall Willie has a cell phone and is helping spearhead the effort.

More than 2.5 million Arizonans 25 and older have a cell phone, according to a recent Scarborough survey. Statistics like these and other consumer insights were the inspiration for making this move—the first-ever mobile technology tool for the Arizona Lottery.

Beginning today, players can sign up on arizonalottery.com or simply text AZLOT to 411247 to receive the winning numbers for The Pick, which has drawings on Wednesday and Saturday of each week. Players will still be able to check their numbers by logging onto arizonalottery.com or by calling the winning numbers hotlines at 480-829-PICK in Phoenix and 1-800-499-3798 in all other Arizona areas.

“In an effort to provide our players with their favorite winning numbers in a way that suits their mobile lifestyles, we are adding to the ways they can check their numbers for The Pick: by phone, online, and now through text messaging,” said Jeff Hatch-Miller, executive director of the Arizona Lottery.

The Arizona Lottery joins other state lotteries across the country that have added text messaging to their player notification tools as the number of Americans with text-able mobile phones continues to increase.

Eventually, the Arizona Lottery may consider making the winning numbers for its other drawing games available through text alerts as well, added Hatch-Miller. “Because The Pick is Arizona’s own jackpot game, we decided to start with The Pick text messaging first and measure its success before adding other games to the lineup.”

You must be at least 21 to purchase or redeem tickets. The Arizona Lottery reminds everyone to please play responsibly.