Columbia, SC (August 3, 2010) - Fiscal year 2009-10 was another successful year for the South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL). Total transfers for education to the State Treasurer for transfer to the Education Lottery Account (ELA) exceeded $272 million, the largest amount since FY 2007. This surpassed the revenue goal set by the Board of Economic Advisors by over $20 million. The Lottery has exceeded its revenue goals every year since sales started in January 2002!
“Every South Carolinian should take pride in the extraordinary success of the Lottery during the previous year,” said Lottery Commission Chairman Tim Madden. “Operating in the worst economy in recent history, and transitioning to a new leadership team; the players, retailers and staff of the lottery worked together to generate incredible returns for education. The Board is very pleased with this performance and appreciates the leadership of Paula Harper Bethea during these challenging times.”
SCEL continues to operate in a fiscally conservative manner while generating more than $1.007 billion in revenue. Lottery players won more than $628 million in prizes, over 62 percent of sales, via an entertaining selection of SCEL games. Retailer commissions exceeded $71 million, representing 7 percent of total sales.
Important Gaming Milestones for Fiscal Year 2009-10:
Instant ticket sales continued to be a strong source of revenue for SCEL with total instant ticket sales exceeding $646 million. The combined revenue for all online games exceeded $360 million. One of the year’s most popular tickets was the Ric Flair™ Woooooo!™ game that featured the Nature Boy™ himself. Fans even had the opportunity to meet Mr. Flair at some of the Lottery’s special events.
Another important milestone for Fiscal Year 2009-10 was the addition of Mega Millions® to the Lottery’s online games. Since Mega Millions® launched in South Carolina on January 31st, there have been more than 311,700 winners of prizes totaling over $4 million through July 26th.
About SCEL and Education Funding:
“Our goal and mission continue to be the positive impact we can have on education and, therefore, on the citizens of South Carolina,” said SCEL Executive Director Paula Harper Bethea. “All of us at the Lottery are committed to doing more with less, and we are committed to an organization underpinned with excellence and integrity. The remarkable team with whom I work each day is delivering for S.C. at a time when education dollars are needed most.”
From January 7, 2002 through June 30, 2011, the General Assembly has appropriated more than $2.5 billion to supplement educational funding in South Carolina. Since 2002, lottery appropriations have provided over $1.5 billion toward lottery-funded scholarships and grants. Proceeds have also supported various educational programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and other community education programs including public libraries.
After eight successful years, lottery proceeds are helping to build opportunities for students of all ages in South Carolina. Fiscal Year 2009-10 provides confirmation of SCEL’s continued support of educational opportunities for the Palmetto State’s citizens.
For more information about the South Carolina Education Lottery, visit www.sceducationlottery.com or contact Beneficiary Communications Coordinator Julie Huffman at 803-737-2696.
For More Information Contact:
Julie E. Huffman
SCEL Beneficiary Communications Coordinator
Office: (803) 737-2574
Cell: (803) 667-2848
Email: Julie.huffman@sclot.com
“Every South Carolinian should take pride in the extraordinary success of the Lottery during the previous year,” said Lottery Commission Chairman Tim Madden. “Operating in the worst economy in recent history, and transitioning to a new leadership team; the players, retailers and staff of the lottery worked together to generate incredible returns for education. The Board is very pleased with this performance and appreciates the leadership of Paula Harper Bethea during these challenging times.”
SCEL continues to operate in a fiscally conservative manner while generating more than $1.007 billion in revenue. Lottery players won more than $628 million in prizes, over 62 percent of sales, via an entertaining selection of SCEL games. Retailer commissions exceeded $71 million, representing 7 percent of total sales.
Important Gaming Milestones for Fiscal Year 2009-10:
Instant ticket sales continued to be a strong source of revenue for SCEL with total instant ticket sales exceeding $646 million. The combined revenue for all online games exceeded $360 million. One of the year’s most popular tickets was the Ric Flair™ Woooooo!™ game that featured the Nature Boy™ himself. Fans even had the opportunity to meet Mr. Flair at some of the Lottery’s special events.
Another important milestone for Fiscal Year 2009-10 was the addition of Mega Millions® to the Lottery’s online games. Since Mega Millions® launched in South Carolina on January 31st, there have been more than 311,700 winners of prizes totaling over $4 million through July 26th.
About SCEL and Education Funding:
“Our goal and mission continue to be the positive impact we can have on education and, therefore, on the citizens of South Carolina,” said SCEL Executive Director Paula Harper Bethea. “All of us at the Lottery are committed to doing more with less, and we are committed to an organization underpinned with excellence and integrity. The remarkable team with whom I work each day is delivering for S.C. at a time when education dollars are needed most.”
From January 7, 2002 through June 30, 2011, the General Assembly has appropriated more than $2.5 billion to supplement educational funding in South Carolina. Since 2002, lottery appropriations have provided over $1.5 billion toward lottery-funded scholarships and grants. Proceeds have also supported various educational programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and other community education programs including public libraries.
After eight successful years, lottery proceeds are helping to build opportunities for students of all ages in South Carolina. Fiscal Year 2009-10 provides confirmation of SCEL’s continued support of educational opportunities for the Palmetto State’s citizens.
For more information about the South Carolina Education Lottery, visit www.sceducationlottery.com or contact Beneficiary Communications Coordinator Julie Huffman at 803-737-2696.
For More Information Contact:
Julie E. Huffman
SCEL Beneficiary Communications Coordinator
Office: (803) 737-2574
Cell: (803) 667-2848
Email: Julie.huffman@sclot.com
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