History of Louisiana Lottery Corporation in Timeline

The Louisiana Lottery Corporation (LLC) is a government-run lottery that generates revenue for the state, primarily benefiting public education through the Minimum Foundation Program. The president manages daily operations, reporting to a nine-member board of directors. The LLC exists as a mechanism to raise state revenue, thereby avoiding tax increases.

1990: Legislature Proposed Government-Run Lottery

In 1990, the Louisiana legislature proposed a government-run lottery (ACT 1045) as a method for generating revenue without increasing taxes. Also in 1990, voters passed a constitutional amendment creating the LLC by a 69% to 31% margin.

1990: Voters Approved Constitutional Amendment

In 1990, voters approved a constitutional amendment, with a 69% to 31% margin, leading to the creation of the LLC (Louisiana Lottery Corporation).

1991: Modern Louisiana Lottery Corporation Begins

In 1991, the modern Louisiana Lottery Corporation began operations after being proposed by the 1990 Louisiana legislature as a way to generate revenue without raising taxes. The legislature decided a corporate structure would be the best fit for the Lottery's unique operations.

January 1992: Louisiana Lotto Began

Louisiana Lotto began in January 1992; it draws 6 numbers from 1 to 42 (originally was drawn from 40).

1992: Pick 3 Launched

In 1992, the LLC launched its second draw-style game, Pick 3. It allows players to choose their own play style and wager to win up to $500 on a $1 bet, or $250 on a 50¢ bet.

1993: Highest Transfer Amount Until 2009

In fiscal year 2009, more than $135.9 million was transferred to Louisiana's treasury. This was the highest amount since 1993.

1995: Louisiana Lotto Jackpots Paid as Cash

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

1995: LLC Joined Powerball

In 1995, the LLC joined the flagship game operated by MUSL, which is Powerball.

1998: Cash Quest Replaced Original Easy 5

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

1998: $3 Prize Level Added to Louisiana Lotto

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

1998: Live Drawings Discontinued

In 1998, the LLC discontinued live drawings for its in-house games, ahead of a current industry trend toward automated drawings.

1998: Minimum Age Requirement Changed

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

March 1, 1999: Pick 4 Launched

On March 1, 1999, the LLC launched Pick 4, with daily drawings. Players can win up to $5,000 for a $1 play or up to $2,500 for a 50-cent play.

2001: PowerPlay Option Introduced

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

2003: Voters Approved Constitutional Amendment

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

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

Effective July 1, 2004, the Louisiana constitution mandates that Lottery proceeds be earmarked for the Minimum Foundation Program, which funds public education in Louisiana. The first $500,000 in annual Lottery proceeds is earmarked for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals-Office of Addictive Disorders to fund problem gambling programs.

2007: Easy 5 Relaunched

In 2007, Easy 5 was relaunched, replacing Cash Quest, which had replaced the original version of Easy 5 in 1998. Easy 5 offers players the chance to win a pari-mutuel jackpot of at least $50,000.

July 2009: Lottery Transfers Exceed $2 Billion

As of July 2009, the Lottery has transferred over $2 billion to Louisiana's treasury. In fiscal year 2009, more than $135.9 million was transferred, which is the highest amount since 1993.

2009: Retailer Commissions and Incentives

In fiscal year 2009, retailer commission and incentives totaled $19.7 million. More than 2,700 businesses in Louisiana earn a 5 percent commission on the sale of Lottery products as licensed retailers.

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 has always been $1 per play; $2 with the Megaplier option.

January 2012: Powerball Price Increase

In January 2012, Powerball became a $2-per-play game.

August 5, 2020: Changes to Louisiana Lotto

Starting August 5, 2020, the LLC added two more numbers to Louisiana Lotto, which changed the game's matrix from 6/40 to 6/42, increased the starting jackpot prize from $250,000 to $500,000, and the match 5's prize decreased to an average $1,000 from $2,000.