History of New York Lottery in Timeline

The New York Lottery, established in 1967, is a state-operated lottery within New York. Governed by the New York State Gaming Commission and based in Schenectady, its primary function is to generate revenue for public education within the state.

November 8, 1966: New Yorkers Approve Lottery Amendment

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

1967: New York Legislature Creates Lottery Division

In 1967, the New York Legislature established 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.

1967: Lottery Began with Slogan

In 1967, the New York Lottery began with the slogan "Your Chance of a Lifetime to Help Education". It has since generated over $34 billion in revenue for education.

1967: New York Lottery Started

In 1967, the New York Lottery, a state-operated lottery, began in the US state of New York. As part of the New York State Gaming Commission, it provides revenue for public education and is based in Schenectady.

1975: Sales Suspended due to Scandal

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 Game Started

Lotto began in 1978 in New York.

1981: First Big Lottery 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 instead of annuity payments.

1986: Mail-in Tickets Manipulation Scandal

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

1992: Take 5 Game Began

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

1996: Mega Millions Began as The Big Game

In 1996, Mega Millions began as The Big Game.

December 31, 1999: First Millennium Millions Drawing

Prior to the New York Lottery's entry into Mega Millions, the Lottery offered two series of "Millennium Millions" drawings. The first was on December 31, 1999, with both jackpots at least $100 million when they were won.

2000: Millennium Millions Drawings Held

In 2000, the New York Lottery held three "Millennium Millions" drawings with jackpots at least $100 million when they were won.

2000: Take 5 Expanded to Nightly Drawings

In 2000, the Take 5 lottery game expanded gradually to nightly drawings.

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 Joins The Big Game Mega Millions

On May 17, 2002, New York joined The Big Game Mega Millions, which was temporarily rebranded as The Big Game Mega Millions.

2002: Mega Millions Added to Lottery

In 2002, Mega Millions was added to the New York Lottery's portfolio, which contributed to the decline in Lotto sales.

October 2009: Agreement Reached Between Mega Millions and Powerball

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

2009: Sweet Million Reran

Sweet Million ran from 2009 offering a drawing every Monday and Thursday nights. Players could choose (or have the terminal select) six numbers for each $1 game.

January 31, 2010: New York Joins Powerball

On January 31, 2010, New York was among the states that joined Powerball, allowing New Yorkers to purchase tickets for both Mega Millions and Powerball.

2010: Powerball Added to Lottery Portfolio

In 2010, Powerball was added to the Lottery's portfolio, further impacting sales of the Lotto game.

2011: New York Adopted the Megaplier Option

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

February 1, 2013: Lottery Merged with Racing and Wagering Board

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

April 2013: Lotto Jackpot Reduced

In April 2013, the Lotto jackpot (annuity option paid in 26 graduated payments) was reduced from $3 million to $2 million.

June 12, 2014: Final Sweet Million Drawing

On June 12, 2014, the final Sweet Million drawing occurred, after which it was replaced by Cash4Life.

June 13, 2014: Sales of Cash4Life Began

On June 13, 2014, New York began sales of Cash4Life, replacing Sweet Million.

October 19, 2014: New York Launched Monopoly Millionaires' Club

On October 19, 2014, New York was among the states to launch Monopoly Millionaires' Club (MMC). Drawings were held on Fridays from October 24 through December 26.

2014: Sweet Million Ended

Sweet Million ran until 2014, offering a drawing every Monday and Thursday nights. Players could choose (or have the terminal select) six numbers for each $1 game.

2015: MMC Returned as Scratchcard Game

In Spring 2015, the Monopoly Millionaires' Club (MMC) game returned as a $5 scratchcard game. A television game show was also produced for MMC players who won a trip to Las Vegas, with episodes broadcasting beginning in late March.

September 2019: Minimum Rollover Reduced for Lotto

In September 2019, the minimum rollover for Lotto was reduced to $100,000 due to poor sales.

2019: Cash4Life Offered in Nine States

As of 2019, Cash4Life is offered in nine states.

July 26, 2021: Take 5 Drawings Became Twice Daily

Starting July 26, 2021, Take 5 drawings take place twice daily, similar to Numbers and Win-4 games. The game costs $1 per play, with five numbers drawn from 1 through 39.