BOISE, Idaho ÔÇô As a thank you for making 2012 the best calendar year in its 24 year history, the Idaho Lottery will have a special offer for all players from 12 p.m. (noon) to 6 p.m. Mountain Time on December 24, 2012 ÔÇô Christmas Eve. Players who buy an Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle ticket during this time will receive a free $2 Powerball ticket good for Wednesday night's draw.

"The Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle and Powerball are two of our more popular games," said Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director. "We have had a lot of success in the past 12 months and this is our way of saying thank you to all of our players and retailers for a memorable year."

Although the Idaho Lottery operates on a July 1 to June 30 Fiscal Year, looking at calendar years from 2011 and compared 2012 shows an increase of 27.1% in total sales.

ÔÇï"Usually, as the Christmas holiday approaches and the gift-giving season draws to a close, we do see an increase in play from players who purchase Scratch Games and Raffle tickets to give as gifts or stocking stuffers," added Anderson. "We remind players to enjoy the fun and excitement, but to definitely play within their means."

Traditionally, sales for Idaho Lottery $1,000,000 Raffle tickets and their holiday Scratch GamesTM increase during the gift-giving season. This year, Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle ticket sales have increased over 50% in just the last week and is over 75% sold. Holiday-themed Scratch GameTM sales are up 62%.ÔÇï

ÔÇïDuring this time of year, the Idaho Lottery also reminds everyone they must be at least eighteen years of age to play the Lottery. All players should sign their tickets prior to presenting them for payment.

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