Wyoming successfully launches lottery

CHEYENNE, Wyo., Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Wyoming, the 44th state in the union, became the 44th state to launch lottery games on Sunday, Aug. 24. The Wyoming Lottery Corporation reported robust sales its first day with $1,000 in sales per minute for the first hour of ticket sales.

Between noon, when lottery sales opened, and midnight, there were $198,612 in sales the first day.

"We had a very good grand opening day, showing the tremendous support that Wyoming residents have for the lottery," said Wyoming Lottery CEO, Jon Clontz. "The credit also goes to the dedicated retailers, many of whom held their own launch parties."

Total Powerball® sales were $130,578. Powerball tickets cost $2 for each play. Powerball drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday at 8:59 p.m. Ticket sales close at 8 p.m.

Total Mega Millions® sales were $68,034. A Mega Millions ticket costs $1 for each play. Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 8:59 p.m. Ticket sales close at 8 p.m.

On Sunday, Mary Ogg, a 67-year-old grandmother from Sheridan, made Wyoming history when she bought the first two lottery tickets at the Holiday Station, located on the corner of Brundage and Coffeen in Sheridan. She was chosen randomly from among the more than 27,000 entrants in a giveaway the Lottery created to promote the launch of the lottery. In addition to purchasing the first lottery ticket sold in Wyoming, Ogg also won a 2014 Jeep® Wrangler and free Mega Millions tickets for a year.

When asked what she thought about being the central figure in a historic day for the Wyoming Lottery, Ogg responded, "I really did not believe that this was happening to this old lady."

At the busy Holiday Station, WyoLotto officials held a ceremonial ribbon cutting attended by the Wyoming Lottery Board, legislators, local elected officials, the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and the general public. After Ogg bought the first ticket, a line of people wrapped around the counter and trailed outside as they waited for their chance to buy first-day tickets. Yolo, the elusive six-foot-tall bright yellow jackpotalope, who is the Wyoming Lottery's mascot, made its first public appearances this weekend. Yolo gave the Jeep keys to Ogg and entertained the crowd before disappearing. The Lottery also hosted a small community celebration with games, barbecue and live music to mark this historic occasion.

The Wyoming Lottery is hoping to earn as much as $13 million in its first year of ticket sales. The  lottery promises to provide an additional financial boost for the Cowboy State. After paying for operating expenses, prizes and the startup loan, lottery proceeds will be turned over to the State of Wyoming, with the first $6 million going to cities, towns and counties and the rest going to education.

Contact: Rachel Girt • Wyoming Lottery Corporation
Phone: 307-286-1592 • [email protected]

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SOURCE Wyoming Lottery Corporation