BOISE, Idaho ÔÇô The annual Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle is now over 55% sold through with only 16 days left before the winning numbers announcement on New Year's Eve. There are less than 115,000 tickets left for the guaranteed $1,000,000 prize and the Idaho Lottery is anticipating another sell out of this popular game.

"This game represents the best odds of winning $1,000,000 in Idaho. Over the years, this Idaho-only game has been very popular with our players," said Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director. "In addition to fewer available tickets, many people will purchase Raffle tickets to give as stocking stuffers and holiday gifts."

With the gift giving season now in its third week, sales of the Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle have increased by 18% over the same period from a week ago. As an Idaho-only game, Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle tickets are only available for sale through all 1200 Idaho Lottery retail locations. This game is not sold in any other state, however, players do not need to be Idaho residents to play or win. Tickets will only remain on sale until 1:00 p.m. Mountain Time on New Year's Eve, or when the 250,000th ticket is sold, whichever occurs first. In addition to the guaranteed $1,000,000 prize, there are over 6,100 other prizes ranging from $25 to $10,000.

The first two early bird draw winners of $2,500 have not yet stepped forward to claim their prizes. The first winning number, 008684 was sold at a retail location in Cassia County. The second winning number, 035449 was sold at a retail location in Ada County. The third winning early bird ticket was claimed by Charles Mitchell of Ketchum, Idaho.

This year's winning numbers announcement for the Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle will take place at 10:00 p.m. Mountain Time on New Year's Eve from the Idaho Potato Drop in downtown Boise. Lottery officials continue to remind players to play the Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle responsibly. Anderson also encouraged players to keep their tickets in a safe place until the Lottery announces the winning numbers on December 31, 2014.

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