Published: January 17, 2018

Tennessee Lottery Celebrates 14 Years, More than $4.4 Billion for Education

“We’re proud of the past 14 years,” said Rebecca Hargrove, President and CEO. “The results we have achieved have funded more than a million scholarships and grants and now help make possible the Governor’s Drive to 55 initiatives along with so many other education programs.” “Our success is based on many factors, including the enabling legislation that provides the business structure under which we operate,” said Ms. Hargrove. “Additionally, we rely on guidance from our Board of Directors, the dedication and talent of our team of employees, the hard work of more than 5,000 retailers, and the support of thousands of players.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 17, 2018

LOTTERY CELEBRATES 14 YEARS, MORE THAN $4.4 BILLION FOR EDUCATION

Record 2nd Quarter Lottery for Education Proceeds; Lottery-funded Education Programs Continue to Grow

NASHVILLE— The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation celebrates its 14thanniversary this week with the announcement of a record second quarter and a total of more than $4.4 billion for education programs. With the Lottery’s stellar year-over-year performance, Lottery-funded education initiatives continue to grow and achieve national recognition.

“We’re proud of the past 14 years,” said Rebecca Hargrove, President and CEO. “The results we have achieved have funded more than a million scholarships and grants and now help make possible the Governor’s Drive to 55 initiatives along with so many other education programs.”

In addition to the anniversary of the first day of ticket sales on Jan. 20, 2004, the Lottery marks yet another milestone with a record second quarter, which yielded a $97 million return to the Lottery for Education Account for the period of Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2017. Total ticket sales for the first half of the fiscal year were the highest for any July-December period since inception at $843 million, up $78 million from the same period last year.

“Our success is based on many factors, including the enabling legislation that provides the business structure under which we operate,” said Ms. Hargrove. “Additionally, we rely on guidance from our Board of Directors, the dedication and talent of our team of employees, the hard work of more than 5,000 retailers, and the support of thousands of players.”

Details for the past 14 years, as of the end of the second quarter, include:

  • Nearly $17.5 billion in gross ticket sales
  • More than $12.1 billion in prizes won by players
  • More than $1.1 billion paid in retailer commissions
  • 228 winning tickets worth $1 million or more, including six Powerball jackpot winners; two Hot Lotto jackpot winners and a Mega Millions jackpot winner.

Since the first awards were given in the fall of 2004, Lottery-funded programs have grown to include multiple scholarships and grants, after-school programs, and an energy-efficient schools program. For details, visit http://bit.ly/2qWcIXx andhttp://bit.ly/2AP8W1y.

For more information about the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation, please visitwww.tnlottery.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

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 MEDIA CONTACT:

Kym Gerlock

Tennessee Lottery

615-324-6556 or 615-604-2827

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