History of New York Lottery in Timeline

The New York Lottery, established in 1967, is a state-operated lottery in New York overseen by the New York State Gaming Commission. Headquartered in Schenectady, its primary purpose is to generate revenue for public education within the state. The lottery contributes financially to support educational programs and initiatives throughout New York.

November 8, 1966: New Yorkers Approve Lottery

On November 8, 1966, New Yorkers voted to approve a constitutional amendment that authorized a government-run lottery. Over 60% voted in favor and the lottery proceeds were designated to support education.

1967: Lottery Division and Commission Created

In 1967, the New York Legislature established a Division of the Lottery and a Lottery Commission within the Department of Taxation and Finance. Later, the Lottery became an autonomous unit within the same department, with the director of the Division having full administrative authority.

1967: Lottery Begins with slogan

In 1967, the New York Lottery commenced with the slogan "Your Chance of a Lifetime to Help Education". The lottery was intended to generate funds for education, and it has since generated over $34 billion in revenue.

1967: New York Lottery Began

In 1967, the New York Lottery, operated by the state, was established to generate revenue for public education. It is based in Schenectady and functions as part of the New York State Gaming Commission.

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 Game Began

In 1978, the Lotto game was introduced.

1981: First Big Winner

In 1981, Lou Eisenberg became the first big winner of the New York Lottery, claiming $5 million. At the time, winners were not allowed to choose a cash option instead of annuity payments.

1986: Mail-in Tickets Scandal

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

1992: Take 5 Game Began

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

1996: Mega Millions Begins as The Big Game

In 1996, Mega Millions started as The Big Game.

December 31, 1999: Millennium Millions Drawing

On December 31, 1999, the New York Lottery held one of its "Millennium Millions" drawings.

2000: Millennium Millions Drawings

In 2000, the New York Lottery offered three "Millennium Millions" drawings.

2000: Take 5 Expansion

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

2001: No Millennium Millions Drawings

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

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

On May 17, 2002, New York and Ohio lotteries joined Mega Millions simultaneously, and the game was temporarily rebranded as The Big Game Mega Millions.

2002: Mega Millions Added

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

October 2009: Mega Millions and Powerball Agreement

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

2009: Sweet Million Game

In 2009, the Sweet Million game was active, with drawings held on Monday and Thursday nights.

January 31, 2010: New York Joins Powerball

On January 31, 2010, New York was among the lotteries that joined the "other" game, allowing it to sell tickets for both Mega Millions and Powerball.

2010: Powerball Added

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

2011: New York Adopts Megaplier

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

February 1, 2013: Lottery Merged

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

April 2013: Lotto Jackpot Reduced

In April 2013, the Lotto jackpot was reduced from $3 million to $2 million.

June 12, 2014: Final Sweet Million Drawing

On June 12, 2014, the final Sweet Million drawing took place, after which the game was replaced by Cash4Life.

June 13, 2014: Cash4Life Sales Begin

On June 13, 2014, New York and New Jersey started selling Cash4Life tickets, replacing Sweet Million in New York.

October 19, 2014: Monopoly Millionaires' Club Launched

On October 19, 2014, the New York Lottery was among 22 states and the District of Columbia to launch Monopoly Millionaires' Club (MMC).

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2014: Sweet Million Game

In 2014, the Sweet Million game continued with drawings held on Monday and Thursday nights.

2015: MMC Returns as Scratchcard

In 2015, the Monopoly Millionaires' Club (MMC) game returned as a $5 scratchcard game in spring. A television game show was produced for MMC players who won a trip to Las Vegas.