Illinois Lottery Reports Record Year

CHICAGO, Illinois – (PRESS RELEASE) -- The Illinois Lottery recently ended its 2005 fiscal year by setting records in both sales and education contributions. Gross revenue for the year grew by eight percent ($134 million) to $1.84 billion and education contributions grew by eight percent ($44 million) to $614 million.

Lottery sales and education contributions have significantly increased for the past two years. Sales alone have increased by more than a quarter-of-a-billion dollars and education contributions have increased by $74 million. Instant ticket sales played a major role in this having increased by $127 million to $907 million in 2005. "This year we made a wide variety of operational changes and game changes, and we placed a renewed emphasis on instant tickets. These changes allowed the Lottery to reach even greater levels of sales growth and profitability," said Lottery Superintendent Carolyn Adams. "We are thrilled to have set another record for education contributions."

Other notable financial highlights from the year came as a result of significant increases in both Lotto and Little Lotto ticket sales. Lotto sales rose by 12.1 percent ($14 million) to $132 million and Little Lotto sales increased by 32.2 percent ($32 million) to $132 million. When combined with significant increases in instant ticket sales, increases in these three categories offset lower 2005 sales for games such as Pick Three, Numbers Now/Extra and Mega Millions. The Lottery also benefited from the overwhelming success of its first $20 instant ticket "$50 Million Spectacular." This ticket generated more than $20 million in sales during its first seven weeks in the market.

"In two years the Lottery has generated $257 million in additional revenue and $74 million in increased contributions to the state Common School Fund," remarked Illinois Department of Revenue Director Brian Hamer. "The entire Lottery team has done an amazing job."

Complete audited financial results for the 2005 fiscal year will be provided when the Lottery publishes its annual report later this year.