History of New York Lottery in Timeline

The New York Lottery is a state-run lottery in New York, established in 1967. Operating under the New York State Gaming Commission and based in Schenectady, its primary function is to generate revenue for public education within the state. It offers various games and contributes financially to supporting educational initiatives.

November 8, 1966: New Yorkers voted to approve a constitutional amendment authorizing a government-run lottery

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

1967: New York Legislature created a Division of the Lottery and a Lottery Commission

In 1967, the New York Legislature established a Division of the Lottery and a Lottery Commission within the Department of Taxation and Finance, later making the Lottery an autonomous unit.

1967: Lottery began in 1967

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

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 began in 1978

Lotto began in 1978.

1981: Lou Eisenberg won $5 million

In 1981, Lou Eisenberg became the first big winner of the New York Lottery, winning $5 million, although cash payouts were not an option at the time.

1986: Scandal involving state employees

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 began as a Friday-only game

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

1996: Mega Millions began as The Big Game

Mega Millions began in 1996 as The Big Game.

December 31, 1999: First Millennium Millions drawing

On December 31, 1999, the New York Lottery offered the first of two series of "Millennium Millions" drawings with jackpots of at least $100 million.

2000: Take 5 expanded to nightly drawings

In 2000, Take 5 gradually expanded to nightly drawings.

2000: Millennium Millions drawings

In 2000, the New York Lottery offered three Millennium Millions drawings with jackpots of at least $100 million.

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 joined Mega Millions

On May 17, 2002, the New York Lottery joined Mega Millions (then temporarily rebranded as The Big Game Mega Millions) simultaneously with Ohio.

2002: Addition of Mega Millions

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

October 2009: Agreement between Mega Millions and Powerball reached

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

2009: Sweet Million ran from 2009 to 2014

Sweet Million ran from 2009 to 2014.

January 31, 2010: New York joined Powerball

On January 31, 2010, New York joined other lotteries in selling tickets for both Mega Millions and Powerball.

2010: Addition of Powerball

In 2010, Powerball was added to the New York Lottery's portfolio, contributing to a decline in Lotto sales.

2011: New York adopted the Megaplier option

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 merged with the New York State Racing and Wagering Board to form the New York State Gaming Commission.