The VA Lottery and the Washington Redskins unveiled the first ever professional sports lottery partnership in the state."Next to (Albert) Haynesworth and DeAngelo Hall, this is the most important investment that the team makes this off-season", said Redskins' COO, Mitch Gershman.
"We’re very excited about the relationship (with VA Lottery); it’s very important to us; we think it’s great for the fans, and most importantly the benefit that it brings to Virginia public schools."
Clinton Portis and Chris Cooley (with an obvious planned skit for the attended media that had Portis fainting at the site of the $50m scratcher, and his football BFF, Chris Cooley, trying to revive him by fanning a magazine in his face) were on hand to unveil a life-size replica of the scratch off ticket which offers purchasers a chance to win a top prize of $1m.
"The VA Lottery understands the power of the Redskins brand", stated VA Lottery Executive Director, Paula Otto.
Ticket prices begin at $20 (with a 1 in 5 chance of winning).
Seemingly, the Redskins and the VA Lottery went out of their way to make the prizes as enticing to purchasers as possible, with various second-chance prizes to include premium Club individual game tickets, a $500 Redskins shopping spree, a VIP team practice invitation (via the sidelines), and a one-game luxury suite (for up to 20 people), to name a few.Fifteen percent of the lotto's prize structure is planned for Virginia's public schools, K-12, with 75% of the prize money slated to go back to lottery players - the highest percentage payout in VA lottery history. (Retailers, and administrative fees factor the rest).
The tickets become available, state-wide, August 3rd at all of the 5,000 Virginia Lottery retailers. Redskins fans will have a chance to purchase tickets at this year's training camp, starting the same day, at Redskins Park. Can you say free parking?
Here's a look at your overall chances of winning.
While the Skins are the first in the state of Virginia to partner with a state lottery, the New England Patriots became the first team to announce a like partnership under an apparent new league rule that hopes to bring in more revenue during a weak economy.
The partnership with the Skins and the VAL is hoped to continue beyond the '09 season.
VA Lottery disclaimer: The chances of winning a prize through the Redskins Mania ticket are in no way related to the team's performance on the field. Please play responsibly.
For details visit the VA Lottery website here.
Noteable
Redskins Scratch Fever
Press conference photos
Cooley's Football Camp for Kids This Weekend!
Redskins Health Fair - June 13th 10-3pm, FedEx Field, Landover, MD (Men/women, 18+)
Other Stuff
When Portis revealed that he wanted to win the lottery prize, I asked, "Why"? "After all, aren't you Clinton 'My Pockets Straight' Portis"?
Oh, how I wish I could remember his reply. It was priceless.
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