History of Louisiana Lottery Corporation in Timeline

The Louisiana Lottery Corporation (LLC) is a state-run lottery in Louisiana that generates revenue for the state without raising taxes. The money the Lottery raises is put into the Minimum Foundation Program and is used to fund public education in Louisiana. The Lottery's president is in charge of daily operations and reports to a nine-member governing board of directors.

1990: Louisiana Legislature Proposed Lottery

In 1990, the Louisiana legislature proposed a government-run lottery (ACT 1045) as a revenue source. Voters also approved a constitutional amendment creating the LLC by a 69% to 31% margin.

1990: Voters Passed Constitutional Amendment Creating LLC

In 1990, voters passed a constitutional amendment creating the Louisiana Lottery Corporation (LLC) by a 69% to 31% margin.

1991: Modern Louisiana Lottery Corporation Began

In 1991, the modern Louisiana Lottery Corporation began after the 1990 Louisiana legislature proposed a government-run lottery (ACT 1045) to generate revenue without raising taxes.

January 1992: Louisiana Lotto Began

Louisiana Lotto began in January 1992, drawing 6 numbers from 1 to 42 (originally was drawn from 40).

1992: Pick 3 Launched

In 1992, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation (LLC) launched Pick 3, a draw-style game that lets players choose their own play style and wager to win up to $500 on a $1 bet.

1993: Highest Amount Transferred Since 1993

In fiscal year 2009, more than $135.9 million was transferred, which is the highest amount since 1993.

1995: Louisiana Lotto Jackpots Paid as Cash

In 1995, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation (LLC) began paying Louisiana Lotto jackpots as cash instead of a 20-year annuity.

1995: LLC Joined Powerball

In 1995, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation (LLC) joined Powerball, operated by MUSL. Powerball jackpots begin at $20 million.

1998: Cash Quest Replaced Easy 5

In 1998, Cash Quest replaced the original version of Easy 5.

1998: $3 Prize Level Added

In 1998, a $3 prize level for matching 3 of the 6 numbers was added, decreasing the odds to 1 in 34.4.

1998: Live Drawings Discontinued

In 1998, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation (LLC) discontinued live drawings for its in-house games, preceding a trend toward automated drawings.

1998: Minimum Age Requirement Changed to 21

In 1998, the minimum age to purchase Lottery tickets in Louisiana was changed from 18 to 21, aligning with the age requirement for most other forms of gaming in Louisiana.

March 1, 1999: Pick 4 Launched

On March 1, 1999, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation (LLC) launched Pick 4, with daily drawings, offering players the chance to win up to $5,000 for a $1 play.

2001: PowerPlay Option Introduced

In 2001, the PowerPlay option was introduced to Powerball. For an additional $1 per play, bettors can multiply a non-jackpot prize by up to 5.

2003: Voters Dedicated Lottery Proceeds to Public Education

In 2003, voters passed another constitutional amendment to dedicate Lottery proceeds to the Minimum Foundation Program that funds public education in Louisiana.

July 1, 2004: Lottery Proceeds Earmarked for Minimum Foundation Program

Effective July 1, 2004, the Louisiana constitution dictates that Lottery proceeds be earmarked for the Minimum Foundation Program, which funds public education in Louisiana. The first $500,000 is allocated to problem gambling programs.

2007: Easy 5 Relaunched

In 2007, Easy 5 was relaunched, replacing Cash Quest. It offers players the chance to win a pari-mutuel jackpot of at least $50,000 for matching 5 numbers.

July 2009: Lottery Transfers Over $2 Billion to Treasury

As of July 2009, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation has transferred over $2 billion to Louisiana's treasury. In fiscal year 2009, more than $135.9 million was transferred.

2009: Retailer Commission and Incentives Totaled $19.7 Million

In fiscal year 2009, retailer commission and incentives from the Louisiana Lottery totaled $19.7 million.

January 31, 2010: Louisiana Did Not Participate in Cross-Selling Expansion

On January 31, 2010, Louisiana did not participate in the cross-selling expansion of Mega Millions and Powerball.

November 16, 2011: Mega Millions Available in Louisiana

Mega Millions became available in Louisiana on November 16, 2011. The price was $1 per play, or $2 with the Megaplier option.

January 2012: Powerball Increased to $2 Per Play

In January 2012, Powerball increased to a $2-per-play game, or $3 with PowerPlay.

January 2012: Powerball Becoming $2-per-play game

With Powerball becoming a $2-per-play game in January 2012, Louisiana decided to pursue adding Mega Millions, which has always been $1 per play; $2 with the Megaplier option.

August 5, 2020: Louisiana Lotto Matrix Changed

Starting August 5, 2020, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation (LLC) added two more numbers to Louisiana Lotto, changing the game's matrix from 6/40 to 6/42, increased the starting jackpot prize from $250,000 to $500,000.

August 1, 2021: Pick 5 Launched

On August 1, 2021, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation (LLC) launched Pick 5, with daily drawings, offering players the chance to win up to $50,000 for a $1 play.