New York Lottery

The New York State Lottery is one of the oldest and largest state-run lotteries in the United States. Operating since the mid-1960s, the New York Lottery has provided additional revenues for many needs in the state, most significantly, education.

History

Prior to the current lottery dating from the 1960s, lotteries were used in New York to raise revenue for non-educational needs. New York City Hall was built in part with lottery proceeds. Other lotteries helped build and repair New York State's canals, roads, ferries and bridges. Lotteries were even used in the past for non-public needs. Lotteries helped develop New York City's many manufacturing industries, and even churches were built, rebuilt and improved, with lottery funds.

On November 8, 1966, New Yorkers voted to approve a constitutional amendment authorizing a state-run lottery. The 1966 referendum passed with more than 60% of the vote in favor of creating a state lottery. In the 1966 referendum, the proceeds of any lottery to be established in New York State were to be "applied exclusively to, or in aid or support of, education." As a result, in 1967, the State Legislature created a Division of the Lottery and a State Lottery Commission within the Department of Taxation and Finance. The Lottery was later reconstituted as an autonomous unit within the Department of Taxation and Finance. Under the New York State Lottery for Education Law, the Director of the Division of the Lottery has full authority over the administration of the Lottery.

The New York Lottery began operations in 1967; it has generated over $34.2 billion in aid to education revenue.

Sales were suspended for about nine months in the mid-1970s due to a scandal.

As of 2008, its games include Mega Millions and video lottery.