Jackpot commissions rise

by Commissioner Gary Peters

Retailers, you have been heard!

I am pleased to announce that those who sell a jackpot-winning ticket for either Mega Millions or Classic Lotto 47 will now receive a commission that keeps the Michigan Lottery at the forefront of retailer payouts.

For selling a jackpot-winning Mega Millions tickets, retailers will now be paid a $50,000 bonus, up from $2,000. And for selling a jackpot-winning Classic Lotto 47 ticket, retailers will now receive a $5,000 bonus, also up from $2,000.

Of the 12 states that sell Mega Millions tickets, Michigan is now in the top five with regard to retailer commissions for this game. Michigan has consistently paid a higher commission than most lottery states.

In fact, with Lottery sales exceeding $2 billion for the first time in the game’s 33-year history, retailers have earned approximately $152 million in fiscal 2005. In setting a record in sales, we have also set a record in commissions paid to retailers.

I have received many calls from retailers about the commission structure, and I know you have communicated your feelings to your Lottery sales rep as well. They have made a point of sharing the comments with me; you should know that your communications with them are important to all of us and they do follow through.

I couldn’t be happier that we are able to make this change. As retailers, you are an essential partner in the Lottery business. Obviously, our business would not exist without you.

This commission increase is our effort to demonstrate our thanks to you for the very important role that you play. And the more Mega Millions tickets you sell, the greater your chance to earn $50,000.

New instants
Gear up for the holiday season with our holiday-themed games that will be out beginning in November.

• November 7: $10 Merry Millions (over $5,000,000 in cash prizes; top prize $500,000)
• November 14: $2 Holiday Magic (top prize $25,000)
• November 14: $5 Silver Bells (top prize $250,000)
• November 21: $1 Gingerbread Dough (top prize $5,000)
• November 28: $2 Wild Times 12 (top prize $30,000; with more prize money than any Wild Time ticket, celebrating the 12th anniversary of “Wild Times,” the Lottery’s all-time best-selling ticket).