MORE THAN $415 MILLION RAISED FOR EDUCATION! Latest quarterly transfer adds to excitement of new education programs, $290M Powerball jackpot

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Education Lottery will transfer $55,584,000 to the state’s Lottery for Education Fund today for the quarter ending Sept. 30, bringing the total raised for education to more than $415 million since ticket sales began over 20 months ago.

The total raised for education includes $406,278,000 that has been transferred to the Lottery for Education Fund, plus an additional $8,922,600 that has been given to after-school programs from unclaimed prizes, bringing the official total to $415,200,600 raised for education.

“What an exciting time it is, from the ongoing success of funds raised for education to the amazing jackpot run we’re currently seeing in the Powerball game,” said Rebecca Paul, CEO and President of the Tennessee Lottery. ”We’re pleased to announce this latest transfer to Tennessee and thank everyone who has helped make it possible.”

Additional details about the funds generated by the Lottery since inception include:

For the period of January 20, 2004 through Sept. 30, 2005:

*Nearly $1.5 billion in gross ticket sales
*More than $843.8 million in prizes won by players
*Nearly $96.5 million paid in retailer commissions
*Awards pledged to 56,849 students through Sept. 1, 2005 (According to the Tennessee Student Assistance Corp., these amounts will vary as certification rosters are completed.)
*$25 million has been earmarked for pre-kindergarten programs

Upcoming Lottery events include a third drawing for $1 million in Memphis on Saturday, Oct. 22, exciting new instant ticket games launched every month and upcoming additions to the Lottery’s CASH 3 and CASH 4 online numbers games.

The Tennessee Lottery began selling its first tickets on January 20, 2004. As of Sept. 30, 2005, the Lottery has raised more than $415 million to fund specific education programs, including college scholarships, pre-kindergarten and after-school programs. For more information, please visit www.tnlottery.com. For information about Lottery-funded scholarships, visit www.collegepaystn.com.