Wash. Lotto celebrating 40 years

OLYMPIA — Washington’s Lottery turns 40 this year, launching a new scratch-off game to celebrate $17.7 billion in total sales, $10.5 billion in total prizes awarded and $2.4 billion to fund education across the state since the lottery was launched in 1982.

“We’re extremely excited to celebrate this momentous occasion today, as we reflect on all that Washington’s Lottery has done over the last 40 years and all we have to look forward to for the years to come,” said Washington’s Lottery Director Marcus Glasper in a press release. “That’s 40 years of making someone’s day when they found out they’ve won, 40 years of working alongside our fantastic retailers, 40 years of giving back to the state to benefit good causes, 40 years of developing new games for players, and so much more.”

The Washington State Lottery Commission, as it was then called, was created on July 16, 1982, and sold its first scratch-off ticket on November 15, eventually selling more 9.6 million tickets and awarding $4.3 million in prizes during its very first week, according to the press release.

To mark its anniversary, Washington’s Lottery launched a new, limited edition 80’s themed scratch-off ticket, the press release said, noting the new game will award a total of $16.7 million in prizes with a top prize of $50,000.