The D.C. Lottery congratulated its most recent $1 million winner, William Lindsay of Woodbridge, VA, this morning. The retired 27-year Marine veteran was a winner with the D.C. Powerball drawing held April 25, 2012.

Since March 27, 2012, there has been a succession of big wins coming from the D.C. Lottery. Mr. Lindsay is the D.C. Lottery’s second million-dollar winner in two weeks. The first winner, from Washington, D.C., was from the April 11, 2012 Powerball drawing and has claimed his prize. In addition to the two, million-dollar Powerball wins, there were two, $250,000 Mega Millions wins. The first for the March 27, 2012 drawing for that game was claimed by Donellen Schlosser of Arlington, VA. The second–for the April 20, 2012 drawing, was purchased at Lobby Mart, 501 Third Streeet, N.W.–remains unclaimed.

While winners have 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim their win, insiders advise that players immediately sign their tickets to designate ownership and seek professional finanacial advice.

Keep winning, D.C.!

Read the rest of the entry>

Your D.C. Lottery is lit up like a disco ball, dancing to the tune of yet another $1,000,000 D.C. Powerball® winner for the April 25, 2012 drawing. We’re back on the dance floor having just taken a breath from the $1,000,000 Powerball ticket sold in D.C. for the April 11, 2012 drawing.

This second million-dollar win in two weeks is just the latest twirl in a line dance of wins enjoyed by D.C. Lottery players. Winning fever caught hold of D.C. Lottery players inspired by the World’s Largest Jackpot of $656 million for the Mega Millions® drawing held March 30, 2012. And, the hits just keep on coming:

>> March 27, 2012 – $250,000 D.C. Mega Millions purchased at Metro Variety, 1400 I Street, N.W.

>> April 11, 2012 – $1,000,000 Powerball ticket purchased at Mayfair Liquor, 7312 Georgia Avenue, N.W.

>> April 20, 2012 – $250,000 Mega Millions ticket purchased at Lobby Mart, 501 Third Street, N.W.

>> April 22, 2012 – THREE $25,000 DC 5 tickets purchased at Lowest Price Gas, 925A Brentwood Road, N.E.

>> April 24, 2012 – TWO $40,000 D.C. Mega Millions tickets purchased at 4 Season Convenience, 4975 South Dakota Avenue, N.E.

>> April 25, 2012 – $1,000,000 D.C. Powerball ticket purchased at Congressonal Exxon, 200 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E.

And, the winning train doesn’t just stop at the D.C. Lottery station. D.C. is enjoying a winning streak all across town. Presently, with a 14-4 record, the Washington Nationals are enjoying “the best start in Washington baseball history,” says The Washington Post. The Washington Capitals are looking good in the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, at this writing The Washington Post reports that the Wizards, “have won five games in a row for the first time in more than four years.” And, speaking of the Wizards, the D.C. Lottery is doing a two-step with them tonight at the Verizon Center for Fan Appreciation Night, where we’ll give away $1,000 and 75 other premier prizes.

From the smiles, congratulations, and giddy anticipation expressed by friends via social media, players in the stores, and responses to media coverage–it looks like there’s some good times going on and the D.C. Lottery is party central.

Boogie on, D.C.!

Read the rest of the entry>

With no jackpot winners for the Mega Millions drawing for $363 million held on Wednesday, March 27, 2012, the jackpot rolled to $476 million. But, then the good folks over at MUSL (Multi-State Lottery Association), decided that wasn’t good enough. This morning, it was announced that the jackpot had been bumped up to $500,000,000. That’s right, half a billion dollars!

That’s defintiely a life-changing experience for the jackpot winner. Your friends at the D.C. Lottery are polling players on our Facebook page about how they would spend $500 million. The responses are interesting. In additoin to houses, cars, and scholarships–many made allotments for great causes like cancer research and the homeless. Funny enough, nobody said they’d give any money to their coworkers.

Note to self: bring doughnuts for morning meeting!

Read the rest of the entry>

In a word, “awesome,” is how Beth Perry of VA, the D.C. Lottery’s “Cap for a Day” Second Chance winner described her experience this past Friday at the Verizon Center for the Washington Capitals vs. the Winnipeg Jets game. She and fiance Michael were so excited about the evening ahead that they forgot to write down where they parked. It was the couple’s first hockey game and–parents of a 7-month old–their first date in a year.

Beth entered the D.C. Lottery’s Second Chance drawing for the limited edition Washington Capitals D.C. Scratcher. The ticket featured a $50,000 top prize and Second Chance prizes that included autographed equipment, team merchandise, Regular Season Tickets, and more. Beth snagged the highly coveted Caps for a Day prize entitling her to an insider’s view of life as a Washington Capitals hockey player.

Upon arrival to the Verizon Center, Beth was presented with an Ovechkin jersey which she sported proudly. She and Michael excitedly watched the Caps warm-up on the ice from just outside the rink. They reveled at up close sightings of Caps stars Alex Ovechkin, Brooks Laich, and Jason Chimera zipping and dashing on the ice like the hockey idols they are. Next up, a ride around the rink on the ice resurfacer. Then, it was onto choice seating on the Acela Level where they cheered the Caps and were treated to club member amenities. After the game, the excitement continued at the postgame press conference with Coach Dale Hunter. Beth also received a $2,000 as part of her prize package.

While the Caps had a disappointing game (Caps 3; Jets 4 in overtime), Beth beamed, “We had a great time,” as the evening came to a close. While her Cap for a Day experience was over, the excitement continued with the hunt for her car.

Ice, ice, Baby!

Read the rest of the entry>

You’ve just won the D.C. Lottery’s $290 million Mega Millions jackpot. It’s the weekend. What are you going to do?

You’ve already bought your mother, father, and favorite auntie a house. Got a dealership of Bentleys and Benzes for best friends, former coworkers, and the nice young man who politely opened the door for you at your old job. Now what?

Plaster a room with it? See if you really could make a body suit out of $100 bills? Maybe invest in your uncle’s store or see what foolproof invention your cousin has up his sleeve? However you choose–it’s not as easy as you think to spend $290,000,000–unless you really try. And, we’re trying.

We did a search for things costing $290 million. Here’s what came up. First, it seems $290 million is something to fight about in Hollywood. That’s the amount Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher squabbled over in their divorce. In Chicago, former White House Chief of Staff, now Mayor Rahm Emanuel is spending $290 million to develop public parks and recreation areas. And, if you’re looking for somewhere to really stretch out, we found a little property in London called The Penthouse for a mere $200 million. You’ll still have enough left over for upgrades!

It’s not easy, but it can be done. For most of us, $290 million is a lot of money and a life-changing experience if won. Experts advise to be smart about spending and to stay clear of investing in “big ideas” such as “John Belushi Bee outfits for dogs.” Most suggest being responsible and getting professional advice about how to handle your big windfall.

However you play it, play to win!

Read the rest of the entry>

In honor of Black History Month, we’re going to test your knowledge of what is indeed American History. Answer these questions and win a Family Four Pack of tickets (four tickets) to The Washington Informer’s Second Annual African American Heritage Tour, “Expedition through the fight for freedom.” The tour takes place Saturday, February 18, 2012, beginning with Continental Breakfast at THEARC.

Here’s how you win! Answer to the five questions listed below on this blog site. The first two persons to post the correct answers will win! Let’s go!

1) How many women have held the office of Mayor of the District of Columbia? Give name(s).
2) Who was the first Black woman to run for office of President of the United States?
3) Name four women to have served on the City Council of the District of Columbia.
4) Name a locally published newspaper that is woman-owned and is the official sponsor of the D.C. City-wide Spelling Bee.
5) Who was the first female to hold the office of Chair of the City Council of the District of Columbia?

Read the rest of the entry>

Founded in 1926, by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month began as Negro History Week. Today, the triumphs, tribulations, and testaments of African-Americans are celebrated throughout the country during the month of February. Radio shows host Black History fact contests to sharpen listener knowledge of historical players and events. National organizations like the Association of the Study of African American Life and History (also founded by Dr. Woodson) hold events with great minds forwarding the understanding of the infinite and invaluable contributions that African Americans have made to every aspect of our country’s growth and development.

Here’s a look at the Smithsonian Institution’s many Black History Month offerings. Happenings include something for everybody: Family Day at the American Art Museum, performances for younger audiences at Discovery Theater, and book signings with Tuskeegee Airman George Norfleet at the Air and Space Museum.

Of course, Black History Month is just celebrated on the National Mall. Here’s a look at what’s on display at the Anacostia Community Museum. For activities and celebrations in your neighborhood, see what’s on the books at your neighborhood public library.

You’ll see there’s something for everyone during Black History Month. It’s American history. Let’s Celebrate!

Read the rest of the entry>

Thought it was all over after January 1? Well, there’s still some new year revelry to be had. Today, January 23, 2012, marks the Chinese Lunar New Year and this is the Year of the Dragon.

The whole world loves a party and millions are celebrating. The fun lasts for 15 days with each day having a particular purpose or way to celebrate. For example, on the first day many don’t eat meat. There are days to stay home, pray, socialize, and honor the in-laws. The Chinese New Year keeps you busy.

The Washington, D.C. metro area is all-in for the festivities. There’s a parade in Chinatown on January 29, a Chinese New Year Buffet celebrating culinary delights, and a hands-on event in Baltimore on January 29.

See what’s interesting to you and yours with this link to local celebrations. Xīn Nián Kuài Lè!

Read the rest of the entry>

You’re sitting at your desk. The clock is slowly approaching noon. You’re thinking, “What’s for lunch?” How about some “Mid-Day Money!”

Mid-Day Money is the newest promotion from the D.C Lottery. Now through to October 2012, your D.C. Lottery is brining weekly helpings of promotions featuring hot tickets, giveaways, and game promotions.

This week’s feature was “Buy $3 of DC 3 and get 1 FREE.” Next week (Jan 7-Jan 14) your hot ticket moves to DC 4 for “Buy $4 of DC 4, Get $1 Instant DC 4 (the new D.C. Scratcher) FREE.”

Check-in weekly to see what’s hot, happening, and headed your way. The D.C. Lottery’s Mid-Day Money promotions. It’s how real players do lunch.

Read the rest of the entry>

It’s that time of year when we reconcile the past year with our expectations for the New Year. Here at the D.C. Lottery, it’s no different. We share in the joy of our winners throughout the year and reflect on how what we do is a win-win for our players and the city—and how we can keep making it better.

So, it would stand to reason that we would join the countless others in revisiting the highlights of 2011. Here are our top 10 moments to remember of 2011…

1. An active duty serviceman won $1 million with the D.C. Gold Scratcher at a Washington Nationals baseball game and became known as the Golden Boy.

2. We hosted the first live D.C. Lottery draw in years at the Safeway National Barbeque Battle.

3. The Lucky Lottery Mobile took the city by storm.

4. We celebrated three $1 million winners with District of Columbia Black, D.C. Gold, and MONEY MONEY MONEY.

5. We launched the first ever Washington Capitals Scratcher with a 2nd Chance Drawing featuring experiential prizes like A Cap For A Day.

6. D.C. Lottery retailers joined the social media era on FourSquare.

7. The dclottery.com website got a makeover featuring social plug-ins to keep you connected.

8. Six retailers earned the distinction of Agent Plus locations, cashing prizes up to $5,000.

9. We challenged lottery game conventions and launched D.C. Fast Play – an online game that offers the instant wins of a Scratcher. 

10. The Dubble Bubble Doubler Scratcher and its official mascot, Pud, blew up in D.C. and at Washington Nationals games.

And, as a bonus here’s proof that “Lots of People Win” with the top five winning numbers in 2011 by game, date, and payout amounts.

DC 5
6-0-1-4-7    $302,762.50    3/6/2011
0-1-0-0-1    $292,500.00    12/23/2011
2-1-2-5-0    $114,450.00    9/23/2011
3-0-3-7-3    $111,275.00    1/21/2011
5-7-9-7-2    $104,525.00    7/11/2011

DC 4
1-0-1-1    $2,619,350.00    9/23/2011
0-1-1-1    $1,223,700.00    11/7/2011
1-1-2-7    $   652,450.00    3/9/2011
7-1-7-1    $   521,300.00    5/12/2011
1-2-1-0    $   487,900.00    8/18/2011

DC 3
4-4-4    $526,800.00    5/27/2011
8-8-8    $452,250.00    9/4/2011
7-7-7    $385,570.00    12/24/2011
8-8-8    $353,250.00    5/26/2011
5-5-5    $320,725.00    2/6/2011

Now, it’s your turn. What are your 2011 highlights? And, what are your 2012 resolutions? We hope you resolve to “win” in everything you do!

Read the rest of the entry>