Washington's Lottery
Washington's Lottery is a lottery system operated by the State of Washington. It was established in 1982 with the goal of generating funds for state programs and services. The lottery offers a variety of games, including draw games and scratch tickets.
Many U.S. lotteries draw some games, such as pick-3, at least twice daily. However, local law prohibits Washington's Lottery from drawing any of its games more than once daily.
History
Washington's Lottery was created in 1982 following voter approval of a state lottery through Initiative 464. The first ticket was sold on July 16, 1982. Since its inception, the lottery has contributed billions of dollars to public education, economic development, and various state programs.
Games Offered
Washington's Lottery offers several game formats:
- Draw Games: These include well-known games such as Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto, Hit 5, Daily Keno, Match 4, Pick 3, and Cash Pop.
- Scratch Tickets: Instant-win games with varying themes and prize levels.
| Game | Matrice(s) | Prize Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Millions | 5 of 70 + 1 of 25 | $1†, $2†, $5†, $5†, $500†, $5,000†, $1,000,000†, or Jackpot (begins at $20 million) |
| Powerball | 5 of 69 + 1 of 26 | $4♠, $7♠, $100♠, $50,000♠, $1,000,000♠, or Jackpot (begins at $20 million) |
| Lotto | 6 of 49 | $3 through Jackpot (begins at $1 million) |
| Hit 5 | 5 of 42 | Free ticket through Cashpot (begins at $100,000) |
| Daily Keno | 10 of 80; 20 numbers drawn | Prizes vary by number of 'spots' picked and matched. |
| Match 4 | 4 of 24 | $2, $20, or $10,000 |
| Pick 3 | 3 digits from 0-9 | Prizes vary by betting style. Previously known as Triple Choice (1984-87) and The Daily Game (1987-2020). |
| Cash Pop | 1 of 15 | Prizes range from $25 to $1,250 for a $5 wager for each number (here called a pop). |
Note
Prize amounts marked with † or ♠ are subject to specific conditions and may vary based on multipliers or additional wagers.
Beneficiaries
The proceeds from Washington's Lottery primarily support the state's Education Legacy Trust Fund, which is allocated to programs such as early learning, K-12 education, and higher education. Funds are also distributed to economic development initiatives and other critical public services.
Governance
Washington's Lottery is governed by a board and is overseen by the Washington State Gambling Commission. Strict regulations are in place to ensure fairness, transparency, and the responsible use of lottery funds.
Economic Impact
Over the decades, Washington's Lottery has generated significant revenue for the state, funding various initiatives and contributing to the overall economic well-being of Washington residents.
Responsible Gaming
The lottery promotes responsible gaming practices and offers resources to individuals seeking help with gambling-related issues.
For more information, visit the Washington's Lottery Official Website.
This information is based on publicly available content as of the latest update and is intended to provide an overview of Washington's Lottery.