Changes in the State Lottery

The Times received a spate of letters (Nov. 28) in reply to one sent by Yvonne Aumiller with regard to state lottery prize structure.

We have altered our prize structure considerably since we began operations in October, 1985. In fact, we have responded to the playing public’s concerns in several respects, most notably in lowering our instant ticket prize structure from a high of $100,000 to the current game’s $25,000 top scratch-off prize. In addition, we have provided a significantly higher level of mid-range prizes and have reduced the grand prize at the Big Spin and will soon place a cap of $2 million on that phase of our operation.

Regarding our Lotto game, we have found along with other state lotteries that players indeed are motivated by the prospect of significantly large, life-changing prizes. The prize structure in our Lotto 6/49 game is sales driven and results in escalating jackpots when players fail to correctly select all six winning numbers.

We believe the combination of large jackpots, many small prizes in our scratch-off games, and range of prizes in our Lotto game offers something for all of our players.

The California lottery is very interested in player sentiment, and many of the changes we have made or are presently considering are directly the result of player attitudes. We appreciate player suggestions.

BOB TAYLOR

Director, Public Affairs

California State Lottery

Sacramento