August 24, 2011 04:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Florida Lottery today announced a partnership with eight Florida universities to offer the Fan-tastic College Football Promotion, giving FLORIDA LOTTO^™ players the chance to support their local college football teams while winning a variety of prizes including a bowl game trip for two, $10,000 in cash, and team merchandise. Universities participating in the promotion include: Florida A & M University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Miami, and University of South Florida.

"Not only will this promotion generate excitement from college football fans and FLORIDA LOTTO players alike, but it also supports the Lottery's education message as well as university athletic programs."

"Florida is a college football state and fans are very loyal to their teams. We are pleased to be able to partner with so many of Florida's universities," said Florida Lottery Secretary Cynthia O'Connell. "Not only will this promotion generate excitement from college football fans and FLORIDA LOTTO players alike, but it also supports the Lottery's education message as well as university athletic programs."

Over the past two years, the Florida Lottery has offered a college football promotion with a limited number of schools. The success of the promotion has led to a broader partnership with more schools this fall, allowing the Lottery to reach football fans throughout the state while promoting some of the very colleges that benefit from profits derived from Lottery ticket sales. This year's promotion will be held from August 29 through November 30, 2011. Players who purchase a $10.00 or more FLORIDA LOTTO ticket will receive a voucher with a unique serial number that may be entered in the Florida Lottery's Fan-tastic College Football Promotion on the Lottery's website. Players will have the opportunity to enter their vouchers in the promotion for their favorite college team for a chance to win cash as well as themed prizes.

The Florida Lottery has remained a strong partner in helping generate additional funds for public education in the state. The Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which is funded primarily by the Florida Lottery, was created in 1997 by the Florida Legislature to assist students in pursuing post-secondary educational and career goals. To date, more than 500,000 Bright Futures scholarships have been awarded statewide, making it possible for many of Florida's future leaders to enroll in state universities, community colleges and workforce education programs of their choice. Additionally, Lottery proceeds have benefited state colleges and universities, state student financial aid, K-12 programs in Florida's 67 school districts, and the building and renovation of schools throughout the state.

Florida voters, by a two-to-one margin, approved a constitutional amendment in 1986 authorizing the state to operate a lottery for the purpose of generating significant additional moneys for education. Floridians continue to show their support by purchasing billions of dollars in Lottery products per year, resulting in contributions of more than $22 billion to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund since 1988. For more information regarding the Florida Lottery, its games and its contributions to education, visit www.flalottery.com.

When you play, we all win.

"$22 Billion for Florida's Students"