2009

November 23

Elida resident Aurbra King wins New Mexico’s third Hot Lotto jackpot, claiming $1.1 million. The winning numbers were drawn on November 18.

October 4

Roadrunner Cash changes. Starting jackpot increases from $20,000 to $25,000. Overall odds are reduced from 1 in 66 to 1 in 8.

October

Higher Education Department announces that a total of 61,000 students have received Legislative Lottery Scholarships since 1996.

June 30

Lottery ends Fiscal Year 2009 with $142.6 million in gross sales and $40.8 million in profit.

January 4

Powerball changes to create bigger jackpots, a $1 million prize and more winners. Among the changes, players pick five numbers from 1 to 59, up from 1 to 55, and one Powerball number from 1 to 39, down from 1 to 42. The game’s starting jackpot increases from $15 million to $20 million. The Florida Lottery joins Powerball. The live drawing show moves to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.