History of New York Lottery in Timeline

The New York Lottery is a state-run lottery established in 1967 in New York, USA. It operates under the New York State Gaming Commission and is headquartered in Schenectady. A primary purpose of the New York Lottery is to generate revenue for public education within the state through various lottery games and ticket sales.

November 8, 1966: New Yorkers Approve Lottery

On November 8, 1966, New Yorkers voted to approve a constitutional amendment authorizing a government-run lottery. The referendum passed with over 60% in favor, with proceeds dedicated to education.

1967: New York Lottery Created

In 1967, the New York Legislature created a Division of the Lottery and a Lottery Commission within the Department of Taxation and Finance. The Lottery later became an autonomous unit within the Department of Taxation and Finance. The director of the Division of the Lottery has full authority over the administration of the Lottery.

1967: Lottery Begins

In 1967, the New York Lottery began with the slogan "Your Chance of a Lifetime to Help Education", with the intent to provide funds for education.

1975: Lottery Sales Suspended

In 1975, New York governor Hugh Carey suspended lottery sales for about nine months due to a scandal involving unsold tickets being selected as winners.

1978: Lotto Begins

Lotto began in 1978 in New York.

1981: First Big Winner

In 1981, Lou Eisenberg became the first big winner of the New York Lottery, winning $5 million. At that time, winners could not choose cash in lieu of annuity payments.

1986: Lottery Scandal Involving State Employees

In 1986, a scandal occurred involving state employees manipulating mail-in tickets in a mail room, resulting in over $40,000 in winnings to friends and family.

1992: Take 5 Game Launched

In 1992, Take 5 began as a Friday-only game, then called Take Five.

1996: Mega Millions Origins

Mega Millions began in 1996 as The Big Game.

December 31, 1999: Millennium Millions Drawing

On December 31, 1999, the New York Lottery offered the first in a series of "Millennium Millions" drawings. It had a similar structure to Mega Millions.

2000: Take 5 Expansion to Nightly Drawings

In 2000, Take 5 expanded gradually to nightly drawings.

2000: Millennium Millions Drawings

In 2000, the New York Lottery offered three "Millennium Millions" drawings. It had a similar structure to Mega Millions.

2001: No Millennium Millions Drawings

In 2001, there were no Millennium Millions drawings, as the New York Lottery approved legislation for joining what is now known as Mega Millions.

May 17, 2002: New York and Ohio Join Mega Millions

On May 17, 2002, the New York and Ohio lotteries joined Mega Millions (then The Big Game Mega Millions) simultaneously.

2002: Addition of Mega Millions

In 2002, Mega Millions was added to the New York Lottery's portfolio.

October 2009: Mega Millions and Powerball Agreement Reached

In October 2009, an agreement was reached between Mega Millions and Powerball, allowing all lotteries with either game to sell tickets for both games beginning in 2010.

2009: Sweet Million

Sweet Million was drawn on Monday and Thursday nights from 2009 to 2014.

January 31, 2010: New York Joins Powerball

On January 31, 2010, New York was among the lotteries that joined Powerball, following an agreement between Mega Millions and Powerball in October 2009.

2010: Addition of Powerball

In 2010, Powerball was added to the New York Lottery's portfolio.

2011: New York Adopts Megaplier

In 2011, New York adopted the Megaplier option for Mega Millions.

February 1, 2013: Lottery Operations Merged

On February 1, 2013, the New York Lottery's operations were merged with that of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board to form the New York State Gaming Commission.