LONGEVITY

It would be easy to say the New Hampshire Lottery’s 60-year history is all about winning.

It would be accurate, of course. After all the New Hampshire Lottery has paid out more than $6.2 billion in prizes since in 1964.

The first state-run lottery in the country celebrated its 60th birthday in March. Its continuous and strategic evolution lies at the heart of its story, and that has positioned it for all that winning — not to mention more than $2.64 billion in direct support for New Hampshire public education.

Over the past several years, players have seen the New Hampshire Lottery introduce sports betting, KENO 603, New Hampshire iLottery, new scratch ticket games and historic horse racing at 10 charitable gaming rooms across the state.

Responding to player demand, draw games are now available to purchase online and for some games, like Lucky For Life, Powerball and Tri-State Megabucks, the number of drawings per week has increased. Games featuring second-chance drawing opportunities and progressive jackpots have become more prevalent — again in response to players.

That recent expansion established the New Hampshire Lottery as one of the fastest growing lotteries in the country, with total sales increasing by 55% over the past five years, culminating with an all-time record of $603 million this past year. And the lottery is on pace to beat that record again this year.

Looking back, the New Hampshire Lottery’s evolution began on day one. In the New Hampshire “Sweepstakes,” as it was originally known, tickets were pulled from a large drum by Miss New Hampshire and were then paired with 332 thoroughbred horses nominated to race at Rockingham Park in Salem.

Ultimately, six lucky winners matched with the winning horse, Roman Brother, and each winner took home $100,000.

At first, players could purchase Sweepstakes tickets at the state’s then-49 NH Liquor Stores, along with three licensed race tracks. By 1967, lawmakers approved the sale of lottery tickets at grocery stores and other retailers. Today, the lottery’s network of more than 1,400 retailers remains the backbone of its success.

With total sales inching toward $10 billion, the New Hampshire Lottery has responded to the evolving gaming landscape by implementing more controls, security and oversight to protect its players and promote responsible play.

Through it all, the lottery stayed true to its mission of maximizing revenue in support of New Hampshire’s students, teachers and schools. Now 60 years in, the New Hampshire Lottery is poised to keep on winning and to keep on evolving.

Debra Douglas has been chairman of the New Hampshire Lottery Commission for the past 15 years.