Minnesota Lottery

Lottery Delivers Record Sales Year as Minnesotans continue to say “I’MN”

SEPT 23, 2020 – For the third year in a row, the Minnesota Lottery has ended the fiscal year with record sales. Proceeds generated to protect Minnesota’s environment and support state services, prizes paid to players, and commissions paid to the Lottery’s 3,000+ retailer partners located across Minnesota also set records.

Fiscal Year 2020 Records:

Sales: $668.6 million
Return to State: $156 million. This brings the inception to date total to $3.3 billion
Prizes paid to players: $423.6 million
Retailer commissions and incentives: $44.8 million

“All Minnesotans benefit from Lottery proceeds, said Lottery Executive Director Adam Prock. “From state services that protect and support Minnesotans to environmental projects that protect our environment and give more Minnesotans the opportunity to connect with nature, Lottery proceeds help make Minnesota an even better place to live.”

With the help of lottery proceeds, air and water quality has been improved; prairies, lakes, rivers, forests, and wetlands are being protected from invasive plant and pest species; scientists are discovering new ways to solve environmental puzzles; native species, including pollinators, are being protected so they can thrive. Lottery dollars also help fund important state programs including education, public safety, and health & human services by way of the General Fund.

Playing Our Part for Minnesota since 1990

The Lottery has generated approximately $3.3 billion for programs that positively impact the lives of Minnesotans. More than $1.4 billion has helped preserve, restore and protect Minnesota’s environment through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Game and Fish Fund and the Natural Resources Fund. Another $1.9 billion has helped fund state programs through the General Fund, including education, public safety and health and human services.

New MN Lottery Millionaire

$1.8 million winning ticket sold in New Brighton

September 1, 2020 – A Minnesota Lottery player is Minnesota’s newest millionaire.

A Gopher 5 ticket matched the numbers 1-7-17-26-38 drawn on Aug. 31 to win the $1,881,874 jackpot.

Wash-N-Fill Express, located at 201 W. County Road E2 in New Brighton, sold the winning ticket. The business will receive a $5,000 bonus.

The winner should contact the Minnesota Lottery at 651-635-8273 (select option 1) to make arrangements to claim the prize. In Minnesota, lotto game winners have one year from the date of the drawing to claim prizes.

Gopher 5 Facts

Gopher 5 is a Minnesota-only lotto game that is drawn on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tickets are $1 per play. Jackpots start at $100,000 and grow until won. Approximate odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 1,533,939. On average, the jackpot is won 17.8 times per year.

This is the 3^rd largest Gopher 5 jackpot ever won and is one of 30 jackpots that have surpassed $1 million since the game began in May 1991. The last time the jackpot surpassed the $1 million mark was in 2019, when a ticket purchased in Hermantown won a $1,606,134 jackpot on Dec. 16.

About the Lottery

Playing Our Part: Since 1990, the Lottery has generated more than $3.3 billion for programs that positively impact the lives of Minnesotans. More than $1.4 billion has helped preserve, restore and protect Minnesota’s environment through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Game and Fish Fund and the Natural Resources Fund. Another $1.8 billion has helped fund state programs through the General Fund, including education, public safety and health and human services.

Garrison lottery player wins $25,000 a year for life

July 10, 2020, Roseville, MN – Winning a big lottery prize is fun. Winning over and over is even better. Someone who purchased a Lucky for Life lotto ticket in Garrison woke up this morning with a ticket worth $25,000 a year for life.

Holiday Stationstore, located at 27390 Highway 18 in Garrison, sold the winning ticket. Holiday Stationstore will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the ticket.

The winning ticket matched the first five numbers drawn on July 9 to win the prize. Lucky for Life winning numbers on July 9, 2020: 10-24-28-33-39, Lucky Ball 12.

This is the 14th time a Minnesota Lottery player has won a Lucky for Life $25,000 a year for life prize since the Minnesota Lottery began offering the game in January 2015.

Minnesota Lottery players have one year from the date of the drawing to claim lotto game prizes. The winner should call 651-635-8273 (select option 1) to make an appointment and to discuss the prize claim process.

Playing Our Part: Since 1990, the Lottery has generated more than $3.2 billion for programs that positively impact the lives of Minnesotans. More than $1.4 billion has helped preserve, restore and protect Minnesota’s environment through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Game and Fish Fund and the Natural Resources Fund. Another $1.8 billion has helped fund state programs through the General Fund, including education, public safety and health and human services.

GAME NOTICE: RULE CHANGES ENACTED IN LOTTO AMERICA GAME

Changes to starting jackpot amount and minimum jackpot increases not anticipated at this time

MAY, 15, 2020, URBANDALE, Iowa – The Lotto America Product Group, a collective group of 13 lotteries, recently approved rule changes to ensure the integrity and payment of prizes in the Lotto America® game. Following the June 13 drawing, the Product Group will have the ability to determine the starting jackpot amount and jackpot increases between drawings based on sales and interest rates. While the rule changes take effect next month, the Product Group does not anticipate changes to the current $2 million starting jackpot or minimum $50,000 jackpot increases, at this time.

“The rule changes were adopted proactively to provide flexibility to the Product Group and alignment with other draw games,” said Rollo Redburn, Lotto America Product Group Chair and Oklahoma Lottery Executive Director. “We still plan on having the Lotto America jackpot reset to $2 million after the next Grand Prize winner.”

Lotto America tickets are $1 per play. Tickets are sold in 13 states: Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia. Drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday night.

NEWS: Mega Millions to Adjust Starting Jackpot Amount, Eliminate Minimum Jackpot Increases

Changes will take place following the Friday, April 3, drawing

april 3, 2020 –The Mega Millions Consortium has adjusted the game’s starting jackpot and will determine the amounts of subsequent starting jackpots and jackpot increases on a drawing-by-drawing basis. The changes are in direct response to slowing sales during the current global pandemic.

The advertised Mega Millions jackpot for Friday, April 3, is a guaranteed $121 million. If the jackpot is won that evening, it will reset to a guaranteed $20 million for the next drawing on April 7. If there is no jackpot winner on April 3, the jackpot will roll to an annuitized value of $127 million. Immediately following the drawing on April 3, the next new starting jackpot and the rate at which the jackpot increases will be established based on game sales and interest rates, with no fixed minimum amount. Subsequent jackpot amounts will be determined and announced prior to each drawing. Previously, the jackpot started at $40 million, and the minimum increase was $5 million for each roll.

“The value of the Mega Millions jackpot is based on projected sales, and typical sales patterns have been altered because the current health crisis has required people to stay home,” said Gordon Medenica, Lead Director of the Mega Millions Consortium and Director of Maryland Lottery and Gaming. “We are concerned, first and foremost, with everyone’s health and well-being. Meanwhile, these adjustments will allow the states and jurisdictions that sell Mega Millions tickets to continue generating much-needed revenue to support state budgets.”

Mega Millions tickets are $2 and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are held each Tuesday and Friday. Half of the proceeds from the sale of each Mega Millions ticket remains in the state where the ticket was sold, where the money supports lottery beneficiaries and retailer commissions. Lottery revenues are allocated differently in each jurisdiction.

Powerball Changes: Game sales and interest rates to determine advertised Powerball jackpot

The Minnesota Lottery is a member of the Powerball Product Group, a national association made of lottery directors from across the country. On April 2, the Powerball Product Group announced that changes, which will be effective following the April 8 drawing, are needed to ensure that ticket sales can support the Powerball jackpot and lower-tier prizes.

Powerball game sales have declined in lottery jurisdictions across the country since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Because of the decline in sales, the current minimum starting jackpot and the minimum rolling increases can no longer be supported.

Beginning with the April 8, 2020 drawing all Powerball jackpot rolls will increase based on sales, instead of a $10 million minimum increase. Starting jackpots will also be determined based on sales.

Starting jackpots and minimum rolling amounts will be determined by the Powerball Product Group based on Powerball ticket sales and current interest rates prior to each drawing.

Due to these changes, the Minnesota Lottery will reimburse players who meet the following requirement:

Any player who purchased a “multi-draw” Powerball Ticket from the Minnesota Lottery on or before 5:00 p.m. on April 2, 2020, may claim a refund for the price of all remaining drawings after April 8, 2020 through the expiration of your multi-draw ticket. You can keep your original ticket for free and it will remain eligible to claim any advertised prize associated with your ticket based upon the new game rules. The Minnesota Lottery must receive your refund claim form and copies of qualifying tickets on or before December 31, 2020 for reimbursement. Click here for more information.

The Lottery, like all other state agencies, continues to operate and is strictly following guidance from MMB and the Governor, state law, and within the boundaries set by all the Executive Orders that have been put in place. Our number one priority is the safety of our employees, customers and partners. To that end, we have implemented additional safety measures to comply with all Executive Orders.

Our Lottery products remain available inside those retail partner establishments that have been given the ok to remain open by the state. The Lottery has discontinued product promotions and is only supporting retail partners at this time. If you have questions about these Powerball changes, please click here.

update: game sales and interest rates to determine advertised powerball jackpot

Guaranteed starting jackpot amounts & minimum jackpot increases to be eliminated

april 2, 2020, urbandale, iowa – The Powerball Product Group today announced its decision to determine Powerball’s advertised jackpot based on game sales and interest rates. Following the April 8 drawing, guaranteed starting jackpot amounts and minimum jackpot increases will be eliminated, and future jackpot increases will be determined and announced by the Product Group prior to each drawing. Previously, Powerball® jackpots started at $40 million (annuity) and increased by a minimum of $10 million (annuity) between drawings.

“These changes are necessary to ensure that ticket sales can support the Powerball jackpot and other lower-tier cash prizes,” said Gregg Mineo, Powerball Product Group Chairman and MaineLottery Director. “Our number one priority is making sure that the Powerball game can continue to assist lotteries in raising proceeds for their beneficiaries.”

The Powerball Product Group announced plans last week to reduce the starting jackpot to $20million (annuity) and minimum jackpot increases to $2 million (annuity) between drawings. Those changes were scheduled to go into effect after the current jackpot was won. However, due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the Powerball Product Group revisited the topic and decidedPowerball’s advertised jackpot should be determined by game sales and interest rates effective following the drawing next Wednesday.

“Since last week, more states and cities have asked their residents to stay at home, which has affected normal consumer behaviors and Powerball game sales,” said Mineo. “In response to the public health crisis, interest rates have declined. As a result, additional game sales are necessary to fund comparable jackpot amounts.”

The advertised Powerball jackpot for Saturday’s drawing is a guaranteed $180 million. If the jackpot rolls, it will grow to a guaranteed $190 million for the April 8 drawing. If the jackpot is won on Saturday night, it will reset to a guaranteed $20 million for the April 8 drawing and continue to grow based off sales and interest rates.

Powerball tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, PuertoRico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are broadcast live every Wednesday and Saturday at10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold.

attention players: powerball to make changes to starting jackpot amount and minimum jackpot roll increases

Following next Grand Prize win, Powerball jackpot will reset to $20 million with minimum roll increases of $2 million between drawings.

march 25, 2020, urbandale, iowa – The Powerball Product Group today announced changes to ensure the game continues to support good causes in all 48 U.S. lottery jurisdictions. Following the nextGrand Prize win, Powerball’s starting jackpot will reset to a guaranteed $20 million (annuity) with minimum roll increases of $2 million between drawings.

“Powerball players in many U.S. lottery jurisdictions are under shelter-in-place orders or recommendations from their governors or mayors, which have affected normal consumerbehaviors,” said Gregory Mineo, Powerball Product Group Chairman and Maine Lottery Director.“Just like other enterprises around the world that are making adjustments, we are making proactive changes to continue to offer the world’s premier lottery product.”

Tonight’s advertised jackpot is a guaranteed $150 million; $114.8 million cash value. If the jackpot is won in tonight’s drawing, the jackpot will reset to a guaranteed $20 million (annuity) for theSaturday, March 28 drawing with minimum jackpot roll increases of $2 million between drawings.If the jackpot is not won tonight, then the jackpot will grow to an estimated $160 million (annuity).

“We would like to offer support to our loyal players during this unprecedented time,” said Mineo.“We are committed to being America’s favorite jackpot game.”

Powerball tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, PuertoRico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are broadcast live every Wednesday and Saturday at10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold.

ROSEVILLE, Minn. (Jan. 28, 2020) – A group of 28, who work together in Coon Rapids and call their lottery pool “Team APG,” claimed a $1 million Powerball prize this afternoon. “If we had one more number, our group name would be ‘Retired,’” quipped one member.

“I had $1 million sitting on my desk since Saturday!” said Dustin Uran of Minneapolis, who purchases the tickets.

Uran learned that the ticket was a big winner when he scanned it at a lottery retailer on Monday morning. “I scanned it and it said, ‘Winner. Contact lottery office.’ So, I scanned it again and I thought, ‘That’s different.’ I knew it must be $50,000 or $1 million—or a glitch.”

After returning to the office, Uran looked up the Jan. 25 winning numbers on the Minnesota Lottery website and saw that one of their tickets had matched the first five numbers drawn to win $1 million. Uran emailed the pool members: “Apparently nobody checks the tickets I send. Check the tickets.” “I always email copies of the tickets before the drawing for transparency,” he explained.

With the estimated Powerball jackpot at $394 million for Wednesday’s drawing and the group’s newly earned reputation for being lucky, it’s no surprise that additional coworkers want to join the Team APG lottery pool.

Speedway, located at 11872 Round Lake Blvd. N.W. in Coon Rapids, sold the $1 million winning ticket. Speedway earns a $5,000 bonus for selling the $1 million winning ticket.

The Jan. 25 winning Powerball numbers were 2-9-17-36-67 and the Powerball number was 18.

NEWS RELEASES