Packers lottery tickets hit the stores
GREEN BAY - Green Bay Packers-themed scratch-off lottery tickets are available across the state.
The annual scratch-off games offer tens of thousands of dollars in prizes, and a grand prize that includes 25 tickets to a 2017 Packers game in a Legends suite, transportation by bus or limo, 25 Packers Hall of Fame tickets, four pregame sideline tickets, one autographed helmet and $3,500 in gift cards to the Packers Pro Shop. A Packers alumnus will watch the game with the winners.
"It's another way to connect with our team," said Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy.
A portion of lottery sales goes to property tax relief in Wisconsin. During the first five years, more than $30 million worth of tickets sold accounted for about $10 million in statewide property tax relief. Updated numbers to include last year were not available Monday.
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"It's been a win-win for us and the lottery," Murphy said. "We're generating a lot of property tax relief, so it's helping people across the state."
The lottery sold $40.4 million worth of Packers scratch-offs during the first six years of the games, including $9.7 million last year. This year, retailers pre-ordered 14,781 packets of tickets worth $5 million, said Jean Adler, lottery deputy director.
Tickets are available in $1, $5 and $10 versions, with top cash prizes ranging from $350 to $45,000, respectively. Other prizes include 95 tailgate party packages, $500 Pro Shop gift cards and more.
Players who don't win instant cash prizes can enter the bonus drawing and be entered for the grand prize package by mailing $5 worth of non-winning tickets by March 7, 2017. There is no limit to the number of tickets than can be mailed.
Last year's winner was Barbara Bielinski of Oak Creek. She received 25 tickets for a Legends suite to see games at Lambeau Field against the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings. The package includes food, parking passes and nonalcoholic beverages.
"My $50 in stamps really paid off," Bielinski said of her entries.
Contact rryman@greenbaypressgazette.com and follow him on Twitter @RichRymanPG, onInstagram at rrymanpgor on Facebook at Richard Ryman-Press-Gazette. Or call him at (920) 431-8342.