BOISE, Idaho ÔÇô Idaho Lottery retailers are gearing up for the final day of sales for the $500,000 Spring Raffle. With only about 5% of the $5 tickets still available, time is running out for players to purchase a ticket that represents the best odds of winning $500,000 from the Idaho Lottery.

"Over the past few years, our Raffle games have been extremely popular. They always sell out," said Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director. "Players who would like the chance to win a guaranteed half-a-million dollars tomorrow need to get their tickets today."

Typically, the pace at which players participate increases in the last few hours of when tickets are on sale. As the final day of sales begins, the Lottery has noticed a heightened amount of activity in Raffle sales over the past twelve hours.

"Idaho Lottery retailers sold about 1% of the entire game overnight," added Anderson. "This occurred during what is typically our slowest selling time of the day, so it promises to be an interesting day for Raffle."

"We've heard in the store that a lot of people have been waiting until the last minute to buy their tickets. Well, today is now the last minute," said Steve Eddy, owner of Fast Eddy's on Ustick in Meridian, the number two raffle selling retailer in Idaho. "We'll definitely be busier today than we normally are."

Players have until 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time (10:59 p.m. Pacific Time) or until the final ticket is sold to purchase one of the $5 tickets. Players who purchase four Spring Raffle tickets will receive a free $5 Powerball ticket good for tomorrow night's draw.

The winning numbers will be announced on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Players can check their winning tickets tomorrow night by visiting idaholottery.com, calling the Idaho Lottery winning numbers hotline at 208-334-4656, or by taking their tickets to their nearest Idaho Lottery retailer. Only the top prize of $500,000 needs to be claimed at the Idaho Lottery offices in Boise. The $500, $50, and $25 prizes may be claimed at any Idaho Lottery retailer after the winning numbers announcement.

# # #