The Ohio Lottery is a state-run organization that has been a cornerstone of Ohio's gaming landscape since its inception in 1973. Following a constitutional amendment approval in May 1973, the Ohio Lottery Commission was established to oversee its operations. The first game, "Buckeye 300," was launched in June 1974, marking the beginning of its journey in providing entertainment while supporting educational initiatives[1][2]. ## History and Key Achievements - **Establishment**: The Ohio Lottery was created to generate revenue for education, with its first ticket sales in 1974. Since then, it has grown to offer a variety of games, including Pick 3, Pick 4, and multi-state jackpot games like MegaMillions and Powerball[2][6]. - **Financial Contributions**: Over the past five decades, the Ohio Lottery has contributed more than $33 billion to Ohio's K-12 education programs, making it a significant financial supporter of the state's educational system[2]. - **Operational Structure**: The Lottery is self-sustaining, funded by its own revenues, and is governed by a nine-member commission appointed by the Governor. It operates a range of online and instant ticket games, contributing to its financial success[3]. ## Current Status - **Revenue and Distribution**: In FY 2024, the Ohio Lottery reported total sales of $5.9 billion, with $3.0 billion in prizes and $1.5 billion transferred to beneficiaries. It operates through over 10,500 retailers across the state[6]. - **Notable Aspects**: The Ohio Lottery is known for its longest-running lottery TV game show, "Cash Explosion," which airs every Saturday night. Additionally, it oversees more than 11,000 Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) games at Ohio's seven racinos[2]. The Ohio Lottery's commitment to education and its innovative approach to gaming have made it a successful and enduring part of Ohio's entertainment and