A MESSAGE FROM GARY GRIEF, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TEXAS LOTTERY COMMISSION

Twenty years ago this month, on May 29, 1992, to be exact, the first Texas Lottery ticket was purchased at Polk’s Feed Store in Oak Hill. At the time, the $1 scratch-off Lone Star Millions was the only Texas Lottery game available, but that didn’t stop Texans from buying 23.2 million tickets that first day—a world record for first-day lottery sales. Now, as we approach our 20^th anniversary, the Games of Texas are as popular and profitable as ever.

Of course, much has changed over the last two decades. Texas Lottery players and retailers alike have a much wider range of options today with a roster of seven draw games (with an eighth option, All or Nothing, set to debut this fall) and approximately 80 instant games to choose from at any given time. And, beginning with that first ticket sold at Polk’s Feed Store in 1992, the Texas Lottery has generated approximately $20 billion in revenue for the state. Since 1997, the Texas Lottery has contributed more than $14 billion to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public education in Texas. As authorized by the Texas Legislature, certain Texas Lottery revenues benefit state programs, including the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.

Twenty years of the Texas Lottery and $20 billion in revenue to the state of Texas, including $14 billion in transfers to the Foundation School Fund. Those are impressive numbers, but they only tell a part of the Texas Lottery story. Here are some more facts and figures (as of March 31) to help fill in the blanks: 

• Since its inception, the Texas Lottery has paid out more than $38 billion in winnings to its players, 
• Based on calendar year 2011 sales, the Texas Lottery ranked fourth among United States lotteries and 15^th among lotteries worldwide, according to La Fleur’s Magazine.
• The Texas Lottery's nearly 17,000 retailers have collected well over $3.35 billion in bonuses and commissions since 1992.

All of us here at the Texas Lottery are proud of the job we’ve done for Texas over the last 20 years and we’re especially proud of the $14 billion our players and retailers have helped us generate to support Texas education. Here’s looking forward to another 20 great years for the Games of Texas!