Wilkinson, who went on to become governor, touted the introduction of a state lottery in a heavily funded campaign that ended up being one of the biggest gubernatorial victories in Kentucky history.Īs the incumbent Lieutenant Governor, Steve Beshear opposed the lottery in the 1987 race. Ī modern lottery was a highly debated topic in the gubernatorial race of 1987. The first legally authorized 'lottery' in Kentucky was held in 1792 in order to raise funds to build a church in Lexington. More than $4.0 Billion in scholarships and grants have been awarded to Kentucky students. Kentucky Lottery proceeds fund college scholarship and grant programs across the Commonwealth, including every dime of the popular KEES program.
Kentucky Lottery players had two Scratch-off games to choose from, including, Beginner's Luck ($1) and Kentucky Derby Dreamstakes ($2). On April 4, 1989, ticket sales began at over 5,000 licensed retailers with over $5 million in sales on the first day. The Kentucky Lottery, began in April 1989 after a November 1988 vote in which over 60% of voters cast ballots in favor of it.
