Championship Tour visits five Lottery Agents
May 7, 2008World Series Trophies visit Somerville, Wakefield, Westwood and Norwood
Baseball fans in Somerville, Wakefield, Westwood and Norwood will be able to share in the magic of the Boston Red Sox World Series victories up close as the Massachusetts State Lottery brings both shining Trophies to those communities today through Friday.
The Tour stops are:
- Good Time Billiards on 30 Assembly Square Drive in Somerville from 2:30 to 4:00 today.
- Dockside Restaurant on 1099 Main Street in Wakefield on Thursday, May 8 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Convenient Food Mart on 745 High Street in Westwood on Friday, May 9 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.
- Conrad’s Pub II on 728 Washington Street in Norwood on Friday, May 9 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- The Chateau on 404 Providence Highway in Norwood on Friday, May 9 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Championship Tour – which features the Boston Red Sox World Series Trophies from 2004 and 2007 – will give access to all fans and create a great opportunity to experience a piece of Boston baseball history. The Championship Tour, which will follow in the tradition of the 2004 trophy tour, is being made possible by the partnership between the Boston Red Sox and the Massachusetts State Lottery.
“Just like we deliver local aid to our 351 cities and towns, we are proud to bring both World Series Trophies closer to thousands throughout Red Sox nation,” Treasurer Tim Cahill said. “As a lifelong Red Sox fan, I am thrilled to bring the Championship Tour to our communities.”
The Championship Tour comes as the Massachusetts State Lottery introduces the Limited Edition World Series Red Sox Instant Ticket. The crowning jewel of Red Sox tickets, the $20 ticket features a grand prize of $10 million, a mountain of Red Sox game tickets and unique memorabilia.
“The Red Sox and the Lottery are a great team,” Executive Director Mark Cavanagh said. “It’s only fitting that the fans who support both our winning organizations share in the fun.”
Fans are encouraged to bring their own cameras.
Massachusetts State Lottery and Boston Red Sox Launch new instant ticket and Championship Trophy Tour
March 31, 2008Limited Edition World Series Red Sox Instant Ticket to hit stores April 8th
Two winning traditions – the Boston Red Sox and the Massachusetts State Lottery – have teamed up again to produce an extraordinary new instant ticket and a tour of both World Series Championship trophies.
The Limited Edition World Series Red Sox Instant Ticket, a $20 instant ticket, and the Championship Tour promise to excite as much as a David Ortiz walkoff home run. The milestones represent the latest joint venture for the Massachusetts State Lottery and the Red Sox as the two premier organizations deepen their marketing relationship while continuing to explore future opportunities.
“Just like we deliver local aid to our 351 cities and towns, we are proud to bring both World Series Trophies closer to thousands throughout Red Sox nation,” Treasurer Tim Cahill said. “As a lifelong Red Sox fan, I am thrilled to bring the Championship Tour to our communities.”
The Limited Edition World Series Red Sox Instant Ticket features more than $160 million in prizes, including huge grand prizes, game tickets, unique trips and never before available memorabilia. The Championship Tour, which follows in the footsteps of the Red Sox/Lottery 2004 Trophy Tour, will feature the 2004 and 2007 World Series Trophies and make 30 regional stops across the Commonwealth.
“We are proud of our relationship with the Massachusetts State Lottery, and happy to partner again with the Lottery and Scientific Games to introduce a new Red Sox-themed instant ticket,” said Mike Dee, Red Sox Chief Operating Officer. “This limited edition ticket will not only give Red Sox fans opportunities to win special experiences and collectible memorabilia but will also bring great benefits to towns and cities throughout the Commonwealth.”
The Limited Edition World Series Red Sox Instant Ticket will be available in stores April 8 and will join the Lottery’s two other extremely successful and popular Red Sox tickets. Red Sox 2006, a $5 ticket, has sold $173 million and raised $27 million for local aid while Red Sox 2007, a $10 instant ticket, has sold $212 million and raised $26 million for local aid. The Limited Edition World Series Red Sox Instant Ticket, which features a printing of 10 million tickets, is expected to raise $23 million in local aid.
“We now have the triple crown of tickets,” Lottery Executive Director Mark Cavanagh said. “The Red Sox instant tickets are a big part of the Lottery portfolio and a key component in raising funds for police, firefighters, teachers and other essential municipal services.”
As part of this agreement, the Massachusetts State Lottery will have greater visibility around Fenway Park. Lottery signs will be near both dugouts and take a more prominent position in the outfield, on the Red Sox bullpen fence. Lottery products also will be available in five vending machines throughout Fenway Park.
The Limited Edition World Series Red Sox Instant Ticket, which will be available at 7,500 agents statewide, hits the market during a record year for the Massachusetts State Lottery. Sales have increased by more than 6 percent from last year and 3.5 percent from the previous top year.
Billion Dollar Blockbuster sales surpass $500 Million
March 23, 2008Instant ticket propels record year for Massachusetts State Lottery
Billion Dollar Blockbuster sales surged past the $500 million mark in less than six months on the market as Massachusetts State Lottery players bought record numbers of the instant ticket.
Players have purchased 25 million Blockbustertickets since the game began on Sept. 25, 2007 with daily sales averaging more than $2 million. The $20 instant game has eclipsed the six months sales of any other instant ticket in Massachusetts State Lottery history. The milestone was reached at some point on St. Patrick’s Day, records show.
“We knew our players would enjoy Blockbuster and we are thrilled by how much they like it,” Executive Director Mark Cavanagh said. “Our players are savvy and they know a great game when they see it.”
Blockbusteris a large part of the Massachusetts State Lottery’s record sales pace for fiscal 2008. Sales have increased by about 6.1 percent over last year and by 3.7 percent from the previous high water mark.
“Our dedication to our players is being rewarded with record sales,” Cavanagh said. “That commitment translates into millions of dollars for our 351 cities and towns for police officers, firefighters, teachers and other essential services.”
Billion Dollar Blockbuster., the biggest game ever produced by a U.S. lottery, features the highest prize payouts in the history of all lotteries. The game reflects the preeminence of the Massachusetts State Lottery in the field and its position as an industry leader and innovator.
The enormous sales are being generated by the game’s intelligent design, prize structure and player-friendly odds. Across the entire game, players have more than a 1-in-3 chance of winning with nearly 22 million winning tickets available.
Billion Dollar Blockbuster. features 130 instant prizes of $1 million and 10 instant prizes of $10 million – the largest instant prize in lottery history. One lucky player will also win the grand prize of $1 million a year for life.
Massachusetts State Lottery to launch Keno-to-Go
March 17, 2008
Initiative expected to boost sales $100 million; local aid by $20 million.
The Massachusetts State Lottery Commission announced today its KENO-to-Go program, its latest initiative to serve and entertain its players while raising revenue for the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns.
KENO-to-Go will allow Lottery players to purchase KENO tickets at locations that currently do not offer the game. Players will be able to purchase tickets for upcoming KENO draws and check their numbers on the Massachusetts Lottery website.
KENO-to-Go locations would not have a KENO monitor. Current Lottery agents who sell other products will be allowed to apply to become KENO-to-Go agents. The sale of KENO-to-Go tickets would be nearly identical to sales of Mass Cash, Megabucks, Mega Millions or other on-line games.
As part of this program, the Massachusetts State Lottery will not be adding any monitors to any location in any municipality.
“We believe KENO-to-Go presents an exciting opportunity for our players and agents,” Executive Director Mark Cavanagh said. “Sometimes customers can’t get to their favorite place to play KENO and this will give them a chance to win wherever they may be.”
Players bought more than $775 million in KENO tickets last fiscal year and won more than $538 million in prizes. Currently, the Massachusetts State Lottery has approximately 1,776 KENO agents among its total of 7,500 licensed agents.
Lottery officials estimate the KENO-to-Go program will result in increased annual sales of about $100 million when fully implemented. The program will likely generate about $20 million more in aid for Massachusetts communities.
“We’re continually searching for opportunities to fulfill our mission of raising revenue for our cities and towns,” Cavanagh said. “KENO-to-Go is the latest in a long line of games designed to entertain our players while raising much needed revenue for police officers, firefighters, teachers and other essential community services.”
The Massachusetts State Lottery is in the midst of its best year ever with sales increasing by about 6 percent from last year. Lottery officials expect to raise more than $900 million for the Bay State’s 351 cities and towns during the current fiscal year.
Boston Celtics Announce Massachusetts State Lottery as Presenting Sponsor of the Team’s 2008 Playoff Run
March 17, 2008First ever playoff presenting sponsorship fully integrates the Massachusetts State Lottery into the Boston Celtics playoff experience.
The Boston Celtics and the Massachusetts State Lottery announced a partnership that will make The Lottery presenting sponsor of the team’s 2008 playoff run. The presenting sponsorship will fully integrate The Lottery into all facets of the Boston Celtics playoff experience. This is the first time the Boston Celtics have had a presenting sponsor for the playoffs.
The presenting sponsorship will connect The Lottery with the excitement of the playoffs and the overall thrill of NBA basketball. Through the partnership, a co-branded logo will be integrated throughout Celtics marketing promotion of the playoffs. To highlight The Lottery’s commitment to giving support to the community, they will maintain their sponsorship of the Heroes Among Us program, which recognizes distinguished individuals for their accomplishments in the community.
“The Massachusetts State Lottery has been an active partner of the Boston Celtics in both the arena and the community,” Boston Celtics President Rich Gotham said. “We are looking forward to a memorable playoff run and The Lottery will be fully incorporated in all of the excitement of the games”.
In addition to the Heroes program, The Lottery will also continue the “Lucky Row” promotion throughout the playoffs and will sponsor a giveaway for the first home game of each round of the playoffs. The Lottery’s presenting sponsorship covers each round the Celtics play in throughout the 2008 playoffs.
“We are proud to be part of the Boston Celtic winning tradition and excited about their approaching playoffs,” Executive Director Mark Cavanagh said. “Our partnership has been a great source of inspiration for us we strive to raise much needed revenue for our 351 cities and towns”.
The Second Annual Heights Award Hits Winning Shot
October 24, 2007
The Second Annual Heights Award Hits Winning Shot by Recognizing Outstanding Individuals for Contributions to Women’s Athletics
Mass. State Lottery and Boston College to Honor a Massachusetts Resident During Each 2007-08 Boston College Women’s Basketball Game at Conte Forum
The Massachusetts State Lottery and Boston College Athletics today announced the second year of the “Heights Award,” which recognizes a Massachusetts resident who has made significant contributions to women’s athletics. The Heights Award will be presented at each of the 16 Boston College women’s basketball games at Conte Forum. The first award will be bestowed at halftime of the Eagles-Wright State game on Friday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m.
“We are thrilled to continue presenting the Heights Award for a second straight year,” said State Treasurer Tim Cahill, who serves as Lottery Chairman. “Last year’s recipients were honored for their tireless efforts to create athletic opportunities and inspire others to become involved in women’s athletics. Those individuals reflect the Lottery’s commitment to serving our cities and towns.”
Heights Award nominations are still being accepted for the 2007-08 women’s basketball season. Nominees can be either a male or female and may have been instrumental in any type of contribution towards women’s sports. The Heights Award program is fielding nominations through Boston College’s Web site, www.bceagles.com or by e-mailing theheightsaward@fenwaysportsgroup.com to learn more information.
The first-ever Heights Award was presented to Alfreda Harris, a well-known women’s college basketball coach, founder of the Boston Neighborhood Basketball League and Project Director at Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society. The Roslindale resident received the Heights Award on November 12, 2006.
“We thank The Massachusetts Lottery for joining us for a second year of honoring special individuals who go to great lengths to develop and contribute to women’s sports in the Commonwealth,” said Jody Mooradian, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Boston College. “We encourage residents to nominate anyone who they feel deserves to be recognized for their support and drive to support women’s athletics.”
Nomination Criteria and Procedure
The Heights Award, presented by the Massachusetts State Lottery, will honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and advancement of women's sports and, through influence or personal achievement, inspire girls and women. This award is earned by long-term commitment, demonstration, and dedication to the growth of women’s athletics.
Nominees can be male or female and may have been instrumental in any type of contribution towards women’s sports. The Heights Award program will field nominations through Boston College’s Web site, www.bceagles.com or by e-mailing theheightsaward@fenwaysportsgroup.com.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Nominees must be a resident of Massachusetts
- Nominees can be contributors to women’s athletics at any level; from pee wee leagues to women’s senior leagues
- Individuals are welcome to recognize their own achievements
- Nominees can be living or deceased
Please include the candidate’s name, mailing address, phone number, and email address (if available) and write a brief description on his or her contribution to women’s athletics. Selected honorees will be notified by phone or email on a rolling basis. The 16 Heights Award winners will also be acknowledged on The Lottery’s website at www.masslottery.com, and on the Boston College Athletics Web site at www.bceagles.com.
About the Massachusetts State Lottery
The Massachusetts State Lottery was established by the Legislature in 1971 to raise revenues that are distributed to the 351 cities and towns of Massachusetts. Regarded as one of the most successful lotteries in the world, the Massachusetts Lottery had total sales revenues of $4.5 billion in Fiscal Year 2007 and returned $920 million in proceeds to the state and its municipalities.
The Lottery has a network of more than 7,500 private sector sales agents across the state who sell Lottery products, including instant "scratch" tickets, jackpot game tickets and Keno. Headquartered in Braintree, and with five branch offices across the state, the Lottery is a division of the State Treasury.
MASS LOTTERY LAUNCHES $1 BILLION INSTANT GAME
Billion Dollar Blockbuster hits stores September 25th
September 4, 2007
The Massachusetts State Lottery will launch the nation’s first ever $1 billion instant ticket later this month with the introduction of the Billion Dollar Blockbuster. Players will win more than $1 billion in prizes, including ten instant winners of $10,000,000.
The $20 instant ticket advances the Massachusetts State Lottery’s leadership in the field of instant games while responding to changes in the marketplace. The Billion Dollar Blockbuster top prize is $1 million a year for life, and the game offers 140 additional prizes of $1 million to $10 million.
“The Billion Dollar Blockbuster is a great game with real excitement for our players,” said Lottery Executive Director Mark Cavanagh. “Our players have been asking for a bigger ticket with more prizes and we think this answers their call and then some.”
Most importantly, the game is expected to bring in greater than $154 million in local aid for Massachusetts cities and towns. Since 2003, the Lottery has returned more than $4 billion to Bay State communities in unrestricted local aid dollars, which cities and towns use to fund police, firefighters, teachers, capital projects and other services.
Billion Dollar Blockbuster tickets – which go on sale at 7,300 locations Sept. 25th – are chock-full of winners with more than 40,000 prizes from $1,000 to $25,000. The ground-breaking game also has more than 6 million winning tickets from $40 to $500. Overall, the game has the highest percentage prize payout in Lottery history.
The Billion Dollar Blockbuster ticket was developed after considerable research, analysis and planning. “As with any game, we remind our players to please play responsibly,” Director Cavanagh said.
Statement from the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission on the Star Spangled Sweepstakes Ticket:
July 10, 2007On Wednesday, July 4, 2007, 51 winning numbers were drawn in the Lottery’s Star Spangled Sweepstakes game. These numbers were broadcast on WCVB Channel 5, posted on the Lottery website, www.masslottery.com, as well as other news websites including www.masslive.com and www.thebostonchannel.com; and printed in many newspapers statewide.
To determine whether a Lottery player holds a winning ticket, players must match the seven digit number on the right hand side of their ticket against the 51 winning numbers drawn on July 4th. If the ticket does not bear one of the seven digit numbers drawn on July 4th, it is not a winning ticket and the holder did not win a prize.
The Star Spangled Sweepstakes is not a traditional “scratch ticket” game, and therefore scanning will not determine whether it is a winning ticket. Rather, the only way to confirm a winning Sweepstakes ticket is to match the seven digit number on the ticket against the 51 winning numbers drawn on July 4th.
The Star Spangled Sweepstakes gave players the best odds ever to become a millionaire, and great odds of winning one of the 51 prizes. As of today, the Star Spangled Sweepstakes has made eight millionaires - one winner has claimed the $20 million prize, seven winners have claimed $1 million prizes, and 27 players have claimed $250,000 prizes.
MASS. LOTTERY’S STAR SPANGLED SWEEPSTAKES TICKET STILL ON SALE AT SELECT LOTTERY RETAILERS UNTIL JULY 3RD
July 2, 2007Chance at winning $40 million in cash prizes is almost history!
What would you do if you won $250,000? Pay bills? Take a vacation? How about if you won $1 million? Would you buy a new car, and maybe a house?
What about if you won a $20 million prize? Could you make all your dreams come true?
The possibilities of what you could do are endless and the good news is, there is still time to win these amazing cash prizes in the Massachusetts Lottery’s Star Spangled Sweepstakes.
Select Lottery retailers across the state are still selling the $20 Star Spangled Sweepstakes tickets until Tuesday, July 3rd – the day before the spectacular drawing which will award a total of $40 million in cash prizes, including a grand prize of $20 million.
Some of those stores include: Borders, Bets & Butts, Attleboro; Hilltop Farms, Bellingham; Tedeschi Food, Centerville; Country Trading Post, Chicopee; Li’l Peach, Dorchester; Kenyon’s Market, Falmouth; Powers Wine Co., Lowell; Cal’s News, Lynn; Ted’s Mobil, Methuen; Price Chopper, Pittsfield, Dick’s Variety North, Salisbury; Hub Video, South Boston; Schubert’s, South Boston, and Grafton Distributors, Worcester.
Sweepstakes tickets are also available at the Lottery’s regional offices in Fairhaven, Springfield, Woburn, and Worcester, as well as at the Braintree headquarters.
The Star Spangled Sweepstakes is offering players the best odds to win significant cash prizes - $250,000, $1,000,000 and $20,000,000 – in U.S. lottery history.
The Star Spangled Sweepstakes drawing, which is set to air Wednesday, July 4th at 7:45 p.m. on WCVB-TV Channel 5, will award one $20 million grand prize, ten (10) $1 million prizes and forty (40) $250,000 prizes. All 51 prizes will be paid in cash, unlike traditional lottery prizes that are paid in annuities.
In addition to airing the Star Spangled Sweepstakes on WCVB-TV Channel 5, the winning numbers will be posted on both www.masslottery.com and www.thebostonchannel.com immediately following the broadcast. Several daily newspapers outside of WCVB-TV Channel 5’s coverage area will also be posting the winning numbers on their web sites.
Players without Internet access can call the Lottery’s player information line at: 781-848-7755.
MASS. LOTTERY’S JULY 4th STAR SPANGLED SWEEPSTAKES DRAWING TO AIR AT 7:45 PM ON WCVB-TV 5
June 29, 2007
51 lucky numbers will be drawn, awarding players with $40 million in cash prizes!!!
Fifty-one lucky people will have 40 million more reasons to celebrate this Fourth of July as the Massachusetts Lottery draws the winning numbers in the Star Spangled Sweepstakes game.
The Sweepstakes drawing, which is set to air Wednesday, July 4th at 7:45 p.m. on WCVB-TV Channel 5 (Boston), will award one $20 million grand prize, ten (10) $1 million prizes and forty (40) $250,000 prizes. All 51 prizes will be paid in cash, unlike traditional lottery prizes that are paid in annuities.
The Star Spangled Sweepstakes will operate just like a traditional sweepstakes drawing. Each of the patriotic-themed red, white and blue tickets feature a unique seven-digit sweepstakes number. To win a prize, players must match their sweepstakes ticket number to the winning entries drawn by the Lottery.
All 51 winning Sweepstakes numbers will be revealed during the 12-minute Star Spangled Sweepstakes special broadcast on Channel 5, beginning with the 40 $250,000 prizes, followed by the 10 $1 million prizes, and will conclude with the announcement of the highly-anticipated $20 million top prize.
In addition to airing the Star Spangled Sweepstakes on WCVB-TV Channel 5, the winning numbers will be posted on both www.masslottery.com and www.thebostonchannel.com immediately following the broadcast. Several daily newspapers outside of WCVB-TV Channel 5’s coverage area will also be posting the winning numbers on their web sites.
Players without Internet access can call the Lottery’s player information line at: 781-848-7755.
MASS. LOTTERY AND WCVB-TV 5 ANNOUNCE MEGA MILLIONS DRAWING TIME CHANGE
June 22, 2007Multi-state jackpot game to air at 11:24 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays; Later airing to create Lottery block during Channel 5’s 11:00 p.m. newscast
The Massachusetts Lottery announced today that the Mega Millions drawing, broadcasted every Tuesday and Friday evening on WCVB-TV Channel 5, will air at 11:24 p.m. effective Tuesday, June 26, 2007.
Drawings for the popular multi-state jackpot game currently air twice a week at 11:10 p.m., but they will move to the new time slot in order to create a Lottery segment for viewers/Lottery players within Channel 5’s 11:00 p.m. newscast.
This new format will group both Tuesday and Friday drawings – Mass Cash and Mega Millions – into the same ad block following the “weather” segment. After the Mass Cash drawing, the station will air commercials leading into the Mega Millions drawing at 11:24 p.m. before heading back to the newscast.
Mega Millions is played in 12 states: California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington.
TREASURER CAHILL ENDORSES DESTINATION CASINOS IN MASSACHUSETTS
Emphasizes economic development potential and benefit to Local Aid
May 28, 2007
State Treasurer Tim Cahill today endorsed expanded gaming in Massachusetts, emphasizing the economic development potential and increase in Local Aid destination casinos would bring. His remarks were part of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Forum at the InterContinental Hotel.
In his remarks, Cahill emphasized his support of full-scale destination resort casinos, with competitive bidding for licenses. His plan favors privately run casinos regulated by the state to maximize opportunity and benefits, specifically increased Local Aid for cities and towns.
MASS. LOTTERY PARTNERS WITH CITY OF BOSTON ON BOSTON SHINES 2007
Sponsors city-wide clean up program with $10,000 donation
May 7, 2007
Lottery Chief of Staff Al Grazioso (left) presents Boston Mayor Tom Menino with a $10,000 check for the city's Boston Shines clean up program.
Lottery Chief of Staff Al Grazioso and Boston Mayor Tom Menino join Boston Shines volunteers in Hyde Park to kick off this year's citywide clean up initiative.
The Massachusetts State Lottery joined Mayor Tom Menino and the City of Boston on Saturday, April 28th in Hyde Park to help kick off this year’s Boston Shines clean up initiative.
The Lottery supported the city’s 5th annual citywide clean up by signing on as a corporate sponsor. Lottery Chief of Staff Al Grazioso presented Mayor Menino with a $10,000 check for this year’s program. This marks the Lottery’s second year of involvement with Boston Shines.
Boston Shines is an opportunity to work side by side with neighbors, corporate volunteers, universities, neighborhood businesses, public organizations and private agencies. While rain caused some of the projects on Friday the 27th to be rescheduled, it didn’t put a damper on the thousands of volunteers that came out to pick up the city’s neighborhoods, streets, and storefronts. This year’s Boston Shines proved to be a great success. The following is a recap of the results:*
- Number of volunteers: Approx. 6,000
- Number of projects: 181
- Number of participating organizations: 187
- Number of TVs, monitors picked up: 18
- Number of street sweeper loads: 69
- Number of dump truck loads: 82
- Number of tires picked up: 247
- Number of flowers planted: 1,172
- Number of bags of trash picked up: 1,817
- Total tons of trash: Approx. 320
*Does not include statistics from the events rescheduled for May 4th.
For more information on the City of Boston’s Boston Shines program, visit: http://www.cityofboston.gov/neighborhoods/bostonshines.asp.
MASS. LOTTERY’S STAR SPANGLED SWEEPSTAKES SAILS OFF THE SHELVES
May 2, 2007First day of sales spark excitement with players across Massachusetts
The line formed early on Tuesday morning at Ted’s Mobil in Methuen as customers waited to buy the Massachusetts Lottery’s new “Star Spangled Sweepstakes” ticket and win a chance at becoming a multi-millionaire.
Dorothy Berryman of Methuen wanted to be sure she didn’t miss the chance at winning and was the first customer to purchase a ticket at the popular gas station/convenience store. It was clear that many customers shared Berryman’s enthusiasm for the game, as Ted’s Mobil – the Lottery’s top selling agent in the state – sold over 600 Sweepstakes tickets yesterday.
Just minutes down the road at the Common Ground Café, owner Wayne Bernard drew in customers seeking the sweepstakes ticket with a sign out front announcing its arrival.
The “Star Spangled Sweepstakes” will award a total of $40 million in cash to players, including an astounding $20 million top prize, 10 prizes of $1 million and 40 prizes of $250,000. Tickets for the July 4th drawing will be on sale until June 30, unless the ticket sells out before then.
The Star Spangled Sweepstakes’ arrival and the unmatchable cash prizes it will soon offer was not just eagerly awaited by customers in Methuen, but also across Massachusetts. By mid-afternoon, Li’l Peach on Neponset Street in Dorchester had a crowd of customers with tickets in-hand, each expressing that they wanted to get their tickets early before the game sold out.
Alfred Pawlowski, manager of Vista Donuts in Attleboro, reported that customers at his store were very excited about the Sweepstakes. More than 700 tickets were sold yesterday at Vista Donuts.
The odds of winning $20 million are 1:4,000,000; the odds of winning $1 million are 1:400,000; the odds of winning $250,000 are 1:100,000 and the overall odds of winning a prize in the “Star Spangled Sweepstakes” are 1:78,431.37. The odds of winning cash prizes of this magnitude are the best the Massachusetts Lottery has ever offered.
Each of the patriotic-themed red, white and blue tickets feature a seven-digit sweepstakes number. To win a prize, players must match their sweepstakes ticket number to the winning entries drawn by the Lottery. The $20 million top prize will be announced live on WCVB-TV Channel 5.
The “Star Spangled Sweepstakes” ticket costs $20 and is available at each of the Lottery’s 7,300 retailers throughout the state.
MASS. LOTTERY TO END “INSTANT REPLAY” PROGRAM
April 20, 2007Exploring more efficient, cost-effective ways to help curb instant ticket litter and encourage recycling
The Massachusetts State Lottery today announced that it will not continue its “Instant Replay” program for the 2007 season.
The Lottery recognizes that the anti-litter program produced remarkable results since its inception in August 2004 - collecting and recycling over 337 tons of instant tickets - but in order to best serve the needs of communities and also Massachusetts taxpayers, the organization’s anti-litter efforts must be refocused.
The Instant Replay program served as a viable and manageable method in reducing instant ticket litter and increasing recycling efforts in the Commonwealth when it was initially introduced, but over the past three years has grown significantly in size, scope and cost.
For each fiscal year since Instant Replay began, the Legislature has appropriated $100,000 in the state budget to provide for the program’s administration. The Lottery’s recent analysis of the program shows that the overall cost of administering it at the present state far exceeds the allocated amount and expenditures will only continue to rise with each redemption event.
The public response, amount of tickets redeemed and amount distributed more than tripled with each year of the program’s existence. What began as a grassroots, community-based clean up initiative has escalated well beyond the original intent and is currently costing the Lottery over $1 million a year to fully operate.
“The Lottery is committed to continuing its anti-litter efforts, and is currently exploring more efficient and cost-effective ways to help curb instant ticket litter from the streets and storefronts,” said Lottery Executive Director Mark Cavanagh. “Engaging in partnerships with municipalities, enhancing existing regional programs, and implementing programs at the retailer level are some of the concepts currently being considered.”
The Lottery expects to announce future anti-litter programs, which include national, state and local partnerships, in the weeks to come. In addition, the Lottery will be working closely with the over 7,100 agents who sell Lottery products to incorporate a stronger recycling message and methods to encourage recycling.
NEW $10 RED SOX INSTANT TICKET ON SALE AT LOTTERY RETAILERS TODAY
March 20, 2007Mass. Lottery and Boston Red Sox team up on new instant game that offers players best chance ever of winning cash prizes of $100 - $1,000; 10 years of Red Sox/Yankees game tickets, and other one-of-a kind ticket and merchandise prizes.
The Massachusetts Lottery’s new $10 Red Sox Instant Ticket is on sale now at the Lottery’s 7,500 licensed retailers throughout the Commonwealth
This exciting new instant game features a mixture of attractive cash prizes, and opportunities to instantly win one-of-a-kind Red Sox ticket/game experiences and unmatchable team merchandise.
The $10 Red Sox Instant Ticket has an innovative prize structure that is rich with mid-level cash prizes, providing players with the best odds ever to win money. There are 600,000 prizes ranging from $100 to $1,000, and more than 8,300 prizes between $1,000 and $250,000 waiting to be won in the $10 Red Sox Instant Ticket. While this prize structure is a new concept for the Lottery’s instant ticket, the overall pay out remains true to Massachusetts’ winning formula – the highest pay out of any lottery in the nation at just over 80 percent.
In addition to the abundance of cash prizes, players can also instantly win Red Sox game ticket packages and official team merchandise that are unique to the $10 Red Sox Instant Ticket and cannot be purchased or found elsewhere. The packages, which also include a cash award, consist of some of the most sought after tickets at Fenway Park – seats in the Pavilion area; on the Monster and roof deck; in the grandstand and suites, as well as an entire decade of tickets to watch one of the longest and most storied rivalries in professional baseball, the Red Sox vs.Yankees.
Players can learn more about the $10 Red Sox Instant Ticket by reading the back of the ticket or by picking up a brochure at any Lottery sales agent location.
MASS. LOTTERY TO RELEASE $10 RED SOX INSTANT TICKET
March 15, 2007New game offers players best chance ever of winning cash prizes of $100 - $1,000; 10 years of Red Sox/Yankees game tickets, and other one-of-a kind ticket and merchandise prizes.
State Treasurer Tim Cahill joins Lottery Executive Director Mark Cavanagh (left) and Boston Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino to announce the new $10 Red Sox Instant Ticket, which goes on sale March 20th at the Lottery's 7,500 retailers throughout Massachusetts.
While the home team doesn’t take to the field for a few weeks, the Massachusetts Lottery is giving lottery players and baseball fans throughout Red Sox nation a reason to cheer with the release of its new $10 Red Sox Instant Ticket.
State Treasurer Tim Cahill today joined Red Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino at Fenway Park to announce the new $10 game which will go on sale beginning Tuesday, March 20th at the Lottery’s 7,500 licensed retailers throughout the state.
The $10 Red Sox Instant Ticket features a mixture of attractive cash prizes, and opportunities to instantly win one-of-a-kind Red Sox ticket/game experiences and unmatchable team merchandise.
“The $10 Red Sox Instant Ticket is all about winning,” said Treasurer Cahill, who serves as Lottery Chairman. “Through this continued partnership of two world-class organizations – the Massachusetts Lottery and the Boston Red Sox – over $241.9 million in cash and prizes will be awarded to players, and cities and towns will benefit greatly as sales from the game will generate more than $37 million in local aid.”
The Lottery and the Red Sox have a history of successful partnerships, first collaborating in 2004 on the World Championship Trophy Tour that visited each of the 351 communities in the Commonwealth, and again in April 2006 with the $5 Red Sox Instant ticket which is one of the most profitable games in Lottery history.
“The Red Sox are pleased to be able continue our corporate relationship with the Massachusetts Lottery,” said Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino. “After a very successful partnership on the World Series Trophy Tour, the Red Sox $5 Instant Ticket that was introduced in 2006 generated over $21 million in local assistance to the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. This new $10 Instant Ticket will potentially create even more revenues for these locales.”
The Lottery will debut an innovative prize structure with this new ticket that is rich with mid-level cash prizes, providing players with the best odds ever to win money. There are 600,000 prizes ranging from $100 to $1,000, and more than 8,300 prizes between $1,000 and $250,000 waiting to be won in the $10 Red Sox Instant Ticket. While this prize structure is a new concept for the Lottery’s instant ticket, the overall pay out remains true to Massachusetts’ winning formula – the highest pay out of any lottery in the nation at just over 80 percent.
In addition to the abundance of cash prizes, players can also instantly win Red Sox game ticket packages and official team merchandise that are unique to the $10 Red Sox Instant Ticket and cannot be purchased or found elsewhere. The packages, which also include a cash award, consist of some of the most sought after tickets at Fenway Park – seats in the Pavilion area; on the Monster and roof deck; in the grandstand and suites, as well as an entire decade of tickets to watch one of the longest and most storied rivalries in professional baseball, the Red Sox vs.Yankees.
“The release of the $10 Red Sox Instant Ticket will not only increase local aid returned to cities and towns, but it will also help spur economic activity in communities throughout Massachusetts,” said Lottery Executive Director Mark Cavanagh. “Each new game the Lottery releases brings big business to our network of 7,500 retailers and in turn increases monies invested into local economies statewide.”
Players can learn more about the $10 Red Sox Instant Ticket by reading the back of the ticket, by picking up a brochure at any Lottery sales agent location, or by logging on to the Massachusetts Lottery’s web site at www.masslottery.com.
About the Massachusetts Lottery
The Massachusetts Lottery was established by the state Legislature in 1971 to raise revenues that are distributed to the 351 cities and towns of Massachusetts. Regarded as one of the most successful lotteries in the world and a leader in lottery gaming innovation in the United States, the Massachusetts Lottery had total sales revenues of $4.52 billion in Fiscal Year 2006 and returned $951.2 million in proceeds to the state and municipalities—both the highest marks ever since its creation nearly 35 years ago.
The Lottery has a network of more than 7,500 private sector sales agents across the state who sell Lottery products, including instant "scratch" tickets, jackpot game tickets and Keno. Headquartered in Braintree, and with regional branch offices in Fairhaven, Springfield, Woburn and Worcester, the Massachusetts Lottery is a division of the State Treasury.
MASSACHUSETTS LOTTERY TO BROADCAST AMBER ALERTS ON KENO TERMINALS THROUGHOUT THE COMMONWEALTH
January 12, 2007State Treasurer Tim Cahill today announced that the Massachusetts State Lottery has partnered with the Massachusetts State Police to assist in the search for and safe recovery of abducted children by broadcasting AMBER Alerts at Lottery retailers throughout the state.
“Immediate response is critical to safely recovering an abducted child,” said Treasurer Cahill, who serves as Lottery Chairman. “The Lottery’s partnership with the State Police greatly expands the network that disseminates critical AMBER Alert information beyond the traditional media outlets, instantly bringing the message to thousands of additional citizens across the Commonwealth.”
The Massachusetts Child AMBER Alert Plan is a voluntary partnership between the Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Chiefs of Police, Massachusetts Broadcasters Association, MassHighway, the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, the Massachusetts Port Authority, MEMA and two new partners – the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission and the MBTA Transit Police. The goal of this partnership is to quickly disseminate information on an abducted child and/or perpetrator to the public via: radio and television announcements, roadway and public transportation message boards, and lottery machines.
“Working together we become a formidable team. This program belongs to you, to each and every citizen of this Commonwealth,” said Colonel Mark F. Delaney, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “The Child AMBER Alert Plan serves not only to protect our children but to act as a powerful deterrent to those individuals who intend to harm them.”
The AMBER Alert Plan is a very successful tool that law enforcement may utilize to combat the horrific and heartbreaking crimes that our children often face after being abducted. The success of the plan sends a strong message that crime against our children is unacceptable and that as a society, we will work together to track down these perpetrators and recover the children that they intend to harm.
When the State Police issue an AMBER Alert, the Lottery will be notified through the Emergency Alert System. The Lottery will input the information provided and the message will be sent to Lottery terminals at all 7,500 retail locations, and broadcast over the television monitors used for KENO at 1,725 retailers statewide. The AMBER Alert details will crawl across the bottom of all KENO monitors until the State Police notify the Lottery that the AMBER Alert is cancelled.
“The Lottery’s is proud to be a part of this collaborative effort with the Massachusetts State Police and other state entities involved in the amber alert plan,” added Cahill. “We believe in supporting the efforts of the public safety community and encourage other state agencies to also explore ways to provide officials with added resources that can lead to the safe recovery of a child.”
Tomorrow, January 13, 2007, is national AMBER Alert Awareness Day. The day honors the memory of Amber Hagerman, the 9-year-old girl who was abducted while riding her bike in Arlington, Texas in 1996. Her abduction and murder led the nation on a crusade to protect our children from harm by predators. The AMBER Alert Plan unites law enforcement, media outlets, state agencies and members of the public in working together to save an abducted child from harm. The goal of an AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and safe recovery of the child. Due to the consistent and meaningful manner in which it operates, the AMBER Alert program continues to be a most effective tool in recovering an abducted child.
Since its inception, 308 children nationwide have been saved from an abductor and brought home safely to their loved ones. In Massachusetts, a Child AMBER Alert has been activated on eight occasions and every child associated with these activations has been successfully recovered.
