The Vermont Lottery was established in 1977 following a referendum on the issue the previous year. The purpose of the newly-formed Lottery was to “produce the maximum amount of net revenue consonant with the dignity of the state and the general welfare of the people”.

Having been extended for another three years during the 1979 legislative session, the indefinite continuation of the Lottery was authorized in 1981.

The first ticket was sold in February 1978, with overall sales now totalling more than $1.6bn. Of that money, over $1bn has been paid out to players in prizes, while more than $430m has been given to the State’s General Fund (Feb 1978 – July 1998) and the state’s Education Fund (July 1998 – present).

As well as the multi-state Powerball and Mega Millions draws, games offered by the Vermont Lottery include Hot Lotto, Lucky for Life, Pick 3 and Pick 4.