Created by Voter Initiative
The Arizona Lottery was established in 1981 through Proposition 200, a voter initiative that authorized the state to operate a lottery. Arizona voters approved the measure, and the first lottery ticket was sold on July 1, 1981. As one of the newer state lotteries at the time, Arizona joined a wave of states that embraced lotteries as a source of public revenue during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Revenue and Mission
Arizona Lottery revenue supports a broad mix of public programs. Approximately 68% of ticket sales are returned to players as prizes, with the remaining revenue distributed among the state general fund, education programs, health and human services, and conservation initiatives. The Arizona Game and Fish Department receives a portion of lottery proceeds, funding wildlife habitat protection and outdoor recreation — a distinctive allocation that sets Arizona apart from states that direct lottery revenue solely to education.
Key Milestones
- 1981: Arizona Lottery established by voter initiative (Proposition 200); first ticket sold July 1, 1981
- 1984: The Pick launched as Arizona's first in-state jackpot game
- 1990s: Fantasy 5 and Pick 3 added to the draw game lineup
- 2001: Triple Twist introduced as a unique three-row lotto game
- 2010: Arizona joins Powerball through the cross-selling agreement
- 2010: Mega Millions also becomes available to Arizona players
Conservation Funding
One of the more distinctive aspects of the Arizona Lottery is its contribution to conservation. The Heritage Fund, established in 1990, directed lottery revenue toward wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental education. While the Heritage Fund has faced legislative changes over the years, the connection between lottery revenue and conservation remains part of Arizona's lottery identity and distinguishes it from most other state lottery programs.
Impact and Legacy
Over more than four decades, the Arizona Lottery has grown from a simple instant ticket operation into a full-featured gaming platform with six draw games and dozens of scratch-off options. Its voter-approved origin and diverse revenue allocation — spanning education, health, and conservation — reflect Arizona's approach to balancing public entertainment with broad community benefit. For a full breakdown of every current game, see our AZ Lottery Games Guide, or visit the Arizona lottery dashboard for live results and analysis.