New York State Lottery
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| Motto | Hey, you never know! |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1967 |
| Type | Lottery System |
| Headquarters | Schenectady, New York, United States |
| Website | nylottery |
The New York Lottery began in 1967 as the third modern U.S. lottery, after Puerto Rico's began in 1934, and New Hampshire's in 1964. As part of the New York State Gaming Commission, it provides revenue for public education and is based in Schenectady.
Prior to the 20th century, 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 canals, roads, ferries, and bridges. Lotteries also were held for non-public needs. They helped develop New York City's manufacturing industries. Churches were built, rebuilt, or improved with lottery funds.
On November 8, 1966, New Yorkers voted to approve a constitutional amendment authorizing a government-run lottery. The referendum passed with over 60% in favor. The proceeds of the Lottery were to be "applied exclusively to, or in aid or support of education." In 1967, the New York Legislature created a Division of the Lottery and a Lottery Commission within the Department of Taxation and Finance. The Lottery later became 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 Lottery began in 1967; its first slogan was "Your Chance of a Lifetime to Help Education". It has generated over $34 billion in aid to education revenue. The original intent of the lottery was to provide funds for education.
Sales were suspended for about nine months in 1975-76 due to a scandal. The first big winner of the Lottery was Lou Eisenberg, who won $5,000,000 in 1981; in that era, winners could not choose cash in lieu of annuity payments.
An agreement between Mega Millions and Powerball was reached in October 2009. All lotteries then with either game were allowed to sell tickets for both games beginning January 31, 2010; the New York Lottery was among those which joined the "other" game on that date.
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