Continuing its annual tradition of releasing patriotic- themed games ahead of Veterans Day, the Texas Lottery has introduced Patriotic Payout, a new $2 scratch ticket game dedicated to supporting Texas veterans and their families.
The game marks the 83rd veterans-themed ticket released over the past 16 years and continues a program that has generated nearly $280 million for the Texas Veterans Commission’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) since 2009.
“This new game is part of our ongoing efforts to honor and assist Texas veterans,” said Courtney Arbour, executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees the Texas Lottery. “Since launching these dedicated $2 scratch ticket games 16 years ago, we’ve generated nearly $280 million for the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance — with a record $31.1 million in the last fiscal year alone.”
The Patriotic Payout game launched Oct. 20 and features more than $7.9 million in total cash prizes, including five top prizes of $30,000 across more than 1.5 million winning tickets.
Overall odds of winning are one in 4.03 for any prize, including break-even prizes. Players can find the game using the Scratch Ticket and Retailer Locator on the Texas Lottery website or app.
“Every lottery ticket purchased is a way for Texans to give back to those who have already given so much,” said Texas Veterans Commission Executive Director Tom Palladino. “Together with the support of the Texas Lottery and TDLR, we’re turning gratitude into real impact and honoring our promise to pay veterans back with the care, respect and opportunities they’ve earned.”
The veterans-focused lottery program was created during the 81st Legislative Session, when Rep. Chris Turner and former Sen. Leticia Van de Putte sponsored legislation directing proceeds from certain scratch ticket sales to the FVA.
The bill was signed into law by then-Gov. Rick Perry on June 19, 2009.
The first game, Veterans Cash, debuted that November. Since then, the proceeds from 83 dedicated games have helped fund services for more than 1.5 million veterans across Texas.
The FVA, administered by the Texas Veterans Commission since 2007, awards grants to local governments, Veterans Service Organizations and other nonprofits that provide direct assistance to veterans and their families.
Services include financial aid, transportation, employment programs, housing assistance and PTSD counseling.
Since 2009, the TVC has awarded more than $359 million in FVA grant funds to hundreds of organizations statewide.
During the most recent grant cycle, the commission awarded $46.3 million to 175 organizations projected to serve nearly 40,000 veterans and their families.
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