 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (March 2018) |
 Washington's Lottery logo | |
| Formation | November 15, 1982[1][2] |
|---|---|
| Type | Lottery System |
| Headquarters | Olympia, Washington, U.S. |
| Website | www |
Washington's Lottery is the lottery system for the U.S. state of Washington, run by the state government. Its games include Mega Millions, Powerball, Keno, Lotto, Hit 5, Match 4, Pick 3, and scratch games.
The bill (H.B. 1251) creating the lottery was passed by the state legislature in 1982 (House on June 30, 1982; Senate on July 1, 1982)[3][4] and signed by governor John Spellman on July 16.[5][6] Washington became the sixteenth state with a lottery and only the second in the Western U.S., joining Arizona.[5]
It was launched four months later with a one-dollar scratch ticket game titled "Pot O'Gold Instant Lottery," which began on November 15, 1982.[1][2][7][8] What is now Pick 3 began in January 1984,[9] and Lotto six months later in July, with a weekly drawing on Saturday,[10] a second drawing on Wednesday was added on November 18, 1987,[11] and a third on Monday on February 14, 2005.
- ^ a b Sher, Jeff (November 11, 1982). "'Follow the fun,' beckons lottery jingle". The Spokesman-Review. p. 6.
- ^ a b "Lottery tickets go on sale in Washington right after midnight". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. November 14, 1982. p. 1C.
- ^ Workman, Dave (July 1, 1982). "State fiscal package includes lottery". The Spokesman-Review. p. 1.
- ^ Workman, Dave (July 2, 1982). "State staff for lottery authorized". The Spokesman-Review. p. 1.
- ^ a b "Spellman signs lottery bill". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. July 17, 1982. p. 1.
- ^ "Governor signs lottery, cuts spending". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. July 17, 1982. p. 1A.
- ^ Rielley, Chris (November 16, 1982). "A lucky day for Post Falls couple". The Spokesman-Review. p. 1.
- ^ Lee, Sandra L. (November 16, 1982). "Lottery: Christmas on a perforated card". Lewiston Morning Tribune. p. 1A.
- ^ Spoerhase, Jim (January 17, 1984). "State's new on-line lottery starts Wednesday". The Spokesman-Review. p. A6.
- ^ "State's new Lotto game goes on line". Spokane Daily Chronicle. Associated Press. July 16, 1984. p. 13.
- ^ "Midweek Lotto contest off to slow start". Spokane Daily Chronicle. Associated Press. November 17, 1987. p. A3.