The Million-Dollar Raffle is over, and by all accounts, it was a huge success. Tickets sold out just before noon on Saturday, which was the last scheduled date of sales. The drawing was conducted at Lottery headquarters on Monday, and the winners posted after all the selections were verified by the drawing team and our independent auditor.
There wasn't any video of the event aside from the security tape, and it wasn't exactly prime time material. Watching a computer select 303 numbers is kind of like watching paint dry. The whole process took more than an hour, after which the numbers were painstakingly added to the computer system which connects to retailers and the servers which feed our Web site.
If you are holding a ticket for the raffle, you can check the numbers here, or a Check-a-Ticket machine at any retail location. We've already had the question, "When is the next one?" Based on the results, it's highly likely that we'll try this again sometime this year. Thanks for playing, and congratulations if you are a winner.
I commented to the raffle and it was never posted. It was a negative comment yes but it was the truth. Don't be victim to these raffles. Check the payout percentages and the percentage that the lottery gets. Not even close to the percentages that missouri casinos are required to pay by law. If you are gonna play for big stakes go to a casino. The odds are better there than this game was at winning. And at least you can enjoy a great atmosphere at the casino's. At least you get something for the buck. Computer generated drawings could have lots of flaws in them. No video of drawing? Hmmmmm Get a clue. I rest my case.
And NO......I did not buiy a ticket for this raffle.
Posted by: Donald | January 27, 2008 at 07:52 AM
Hi Donald-
Your original comment WAS posted. Did you forget where you put it? That's a problem and one of the main reasons comments DON'T get posted - they don't relate the topic.
It's nice of you to suggest that people don't fall victim to false hope, but your implications about casino games aren't exactly fair. Casinos are not required by law to return a certain percentage, only to advertise what those return rates are in the gambling area.
And let's not forget that the Lottery is designed to return a certain portion of each dollar to the state to fund public education. That's why we're here.
Thanks for playing.
Posted by: Captain Lotto | January 28, 2008 at 06:53 AM
Well let's put it this way mr lotto dude, The payouts at casino's that are posted are a lot higher than the payout of the Missouri lottery games for sure. Especially that joke of a raffle they had.
Let's see, 250,000 tickets sold at $10 bucks apiece. That's a take in of $2,500,000 dollars. Payouts were a total of $1,350,000. That leaves a balance of $1,150,000. Thats a payout of 54%. Thats pretty sad.
And you say over $500,000 went to education? Bologna!!! Most of that money never reaches the needs of our public education system here in Missouri and you know that. It's deposited directly into the general fund of Missouri and distributed as the politicians see fit.
As for the rest of it, who knows. I am thinkin you people that work for the Missouri lottery have some pretty fat paycheck's from the "people that fall victim to false hope" as you put it. How about the 249,697 loosing raffle tickets for 10 bucks a pop that didn't win? False hope or just plain stupidity? Not this ole boy. I play odds games. And none of Missouri lottery games are good odds. Rip off's if you may. WAKE UP people.
Posted by: Donald | January 28, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Whoa Donald, let's not get angry.
You are pretty good at math - you have the figures right. No one ever said the Lottery was a good investment. It's intended to be a fun game for people to play, while raising funds for the state. All proceeds are earmarked for public education. You can check our Web site to see how all of those monies are appropriated.
http://www.molottery.com/where_the_money_goes/where_the_money_goes.shtm
If you have a problem with how the legislature designates funding, you should contact your representative.
As for our salaries, how you determine "fat" is a matter of perspective, but don't forget that we're state employees. Missouri ranks near the bottom of all states in employee compensation. Some of the money that wasn't given away in prizes or transferred to public education was paid to retailers as commission for selling tickets, and the rest was the cost of doing the game.
As much as everyone would like to win, it's just not possible. You may be smart for holding on to your money, but remember, you can't win if you don't play.
Posted by: Captain Lotto | January 29, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Well said mr captain lotto dude. Not angry, just stating facts.
I see too many people buying lotto tickets that can't even buy groceries for their kids. That's what makes me angry.
Oh and now we have a $20.00 scratchers ticket only to bring on more "false hope" and hungry kids. Lets get it over in one ticket to save trees used for printing tickets.
As for contacting a representative, my chances are better at finding Bin Laden than getting a representative to act on anything that "fattens" their wallets.
I think they need another pay raise myself, how bout you?
Key word here is "EARMARKED".
Thank's mr lotto dude.
Posted by: Donald | February 01, 2008 at 05:21 AM
Was just wondering if all the winning raffle tickets have been claimed.Looking at the list of winners I dont see any * or claimed references,how long should I hold on to my tickets?
Posted by: cliff ketcherside | February 14, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Sorry, Cliff. The Raffle was a game, not a promotion, which means that there will not be a second drawing for unclaimed tickets. Winners have 180 days to claim their prize and after that time period, unclaimed prizes revert to the state.
Posted by: Captain Lotto | February 14, 2008 at 01:21 PM
What's really sad are the poor people who play the lottery and cannot even afford to buy groceries.
I myself am permanently disabled and cannot work due to multiple painful disabilities. I receive a grand total of $601 per month to live on (no that's not a typo -- that's $601.00), and I don't even receive any physical help with household chores, errands, or anything -- which I really need. I don't even have a running automobile of my own to get to my doctors appointments or pharmacy.
I know I don't have enough money to afford even one dollar on the lottery -- so I don't play. Period. I don't even get enough to afford food and utilities and rent, nor eye or dental care (which Medicaid doesn't cover in Missouri, nor do they cover dentures for when all my teeth fall out from not having been to a dentist in years), so I certainly don't have enough to play games of chance.
I am cognizant of the old maxim that "you can't win if you don't play". But if you can't afford to play, then you shouldn't play! Ergo, those who are seen in grocery and liquor stores with kids in their arms who obviously can't afford groceries and are buying lottery tickets shouldn't be buying them.
Sorry if this is politically correct, but it's the truth.
Posted by: Kevin Andersen | February 22, 2008 at 03:46 PM
would like to know if the future you could claim prize over $500.00 online. with all the information (personal).
maybe have a personal id number.
just curious.
thank you
Posted by: betty roberts | February 23, 2008 at 01:31 PM