New York Lottery

The New York Lottery is one of the oldest government-run lotteries in the United States. Begun in 1967 as the third modern US lottery after the Puerto Rico Lottery began in 1934, and the New Hampshire Sweepstakes in 1964 , it has provided additional revenues in New York, mostly education.

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 many 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 more than 60 voting in favor. In that referendum, the proceeds of any lottery to be established were to be "applied exclusively to, or in aid or support of, education." As a result, in 1967, the New York Legislature created a Division of the Lottery and a State Lottery Commission within the Department of Taxation and Finance. The Lottery was later reconstituted as 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.

Its games include Mega Millions, Take 5, and video lottery. Among Mega Millions members, only New York, Oklahoma, and Texas prohibit winners of that game from choosing cash or annuity the cash value option, if desired, must be exercised when playing. Mega Millions is drawn in Atlanta.