FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT: Carole Everett, 410-230-8800

#3864 RCI

Maryland Lottery Celebrates 35^th Anniversary

 

BALTIMORE, MD – Disco was in its heyday, bell bottoms ruled and flower power was in full bloom when the Maryland Lottery launched its first game back in 1973.  This May marks the 35^th Anniversary of the agency and over three decades of providing revenue and entertainment for the citizens of Maryland. Since its debut, sales have totaled more than $28.6 billion, returning more than $10.5 billion to the state’s coffers, supporting essential services in Maryland’s communities.

 

Lottery Director Buddy Roogow is very proud of the Lottery’s record of achievement. “It is the third-largest contributor to the state’s general fund and every year we develop trend-setting products and initiatives with even more ways to win,” said Mr. Roogow.

 

The seventh state to institute a lottery, Maryland’s first tickets went on sale on May 15, 1973 with the introduction of its inaugural game, Twin Win. This 50-cent game offered weekly prizes ranging from $25 to $50,000 as well as periodic “Millionaire Drawings.”

 

The first online game, Pick 3, was introduced in July 1976, followed by Pick 4 in 1983. In the fall of 1983, the Maryland Lottery entered into larger jackpot games with the introduction of Lotto, and in 1993 debuted Keno – still going strong after 15 years. Currently, the agency features eight “online” games -- Pick 3, Pick 4, Bonus Match 5, Keno, Multi-Match, Racetrax™, Hold ‘Em and the multi-state Mega Millions. In addition, the Lottery offers an average of more than 50 scratch-offs annually and continues to introduce several new game promotions and second-chance drawings each year.

 

To herald its anniversary, the Maryland Lottery will hold 70’s-themed parties at several Lottery retailer locations throughout May. 

·        Marlow Wing House in Temple Hills,  Thursday, May 8^th,  5 pm to 7 pm with radio station, Magic 102.3

·        Coins Pub & Restaurant in Ocean City, Wednesday, May 14^th,  6 pm to 8 pm with 92.1 -- The Wave

·        Three Brothers in Baltimore, Tuesday, May 20^th,  4 pm to 6 pm.

·        Padonia Station in Timonium, Thursday, May 22^nd , 5 pm to 7 pm with 98 Rock

·        The Colonial Inn in Hagerstown, Thursday, May 29^th, 5 pm to 7 pm with WWEG -- The Eagle

The celebrations will feature strobe lights, disco balls, music of the era and dance contests. Prizes and giveaways will include tie-dye t-shirts and disco ball key chains. Radio stations will be on hand to help host the parties. To further commemorate the occasion, the Lottery has adapted the slogan “Groovin’ since 1973” and incorporated the line into its decorations, anniversary garb and memorabilia.

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