Frequently Asked Questions About
The Pennsylvania Lottery's Golden Opportunities Employee Rewards Program
Q: Why should Pennsylvania corporations accept the Employee Rewards Program?
A: It's a win-win proposition. Participating in the Golden Opportunities Employee Rewards Program means that businesses are helping themselves, and helping older Pennsylvanians.
Businesses benefit because Lottery tickets are an unexpected and powerful way to show employees that their contributions are appreciated. Lottery tickets are small incentives but known morale boosters that cost-effectively and creatively inspire greater performance, which directly impacts productivity. Moreover, employees are more apt to maintain a positive mindset when they know their employers are doing something to express their appreciation.
But the benefit doesn't stop there. Lottery tickets are the kind of employee rewards that keep working, even after they are gifted. By the time any given company's employees have Lottery tickets in hand, the lives of older Pennsylvanians already have been improved measurably.
Q: How do older Pennsylvanians benefit from this program?
A: Older Pennsylvanians benefit directly because when a business buys lottery tickets in bulk money is funneled into programs that support their needs. Lottery proceeds provide meals, transit rides, and fill prescriptions every day. Among 39 states that operate lotteries, The Pennsylvania Lottery is the only one of its kind, distributing its proceeds entirely to the needs of its older residents.
Q: Do older Pennsylvanians really need our help?
A: There are 2.4 million older residents in Pennsylvania, and that number is expected to reach 3 million by 2020. Despite the significant impact that Lottery proceeds make, a large portion of older Pennsylvanians still lives in poverty. There is much more work to be done. So, every day, the Lottery seeks innovative solutions that will generate more proceeds to address the problems faced by the members of one of our greatest generations.
Q: Can buying one instant lottery ticket really make a difference?
A: Absolutely. Consider that one instant lottery ticket, for example. By law, the Pennsylvania Lottery must contribute 30 cents of each dollar earned to programs and 40 cents to players in the form of prize money. Over the past five years, the Lottery has surpassed both requirements, having contributed approximately 40 cents to programs, while approximately 50 cents went back to players in the form of prize money. Now consider that one corporation with 10,000 employees buys one ticket for each employee. At around 30 cents per dollar going to benefit older Pennsylvanians, by that one commitment, that's an immediate injection of $3,000 that will pay for meals, rides and prescriptions. Now, imagine that other companies, from small to large, follow suit. With more than 350,000 businesses in Pennsylvania employing more than 6 million people, the impact could be profound.
Q: Why should business act now?
A: Because we can't afford to procrastinate when older Pennsylvanians need us. And even one older resident forced to do without is too many for Pennsylvania. By participating in the Golden Opportunities Employee Rewards Program, visionary companies in our Commonwealth can play a special role that directly and significantly impacts the lives of older Pennsylvanians and ensures them years of grace and dignity.
It wasn't too long ago that today's older residents comprised the work forces of Pennsylvania companies, from small to large. They helped build this great Commonwealth, and it is the duty of all Pennsylvanians to make sure their needs are met, even though their days in the work force may have passed.
The Pennsylvania Lottery's initiative challenges corporate Pennsylvania to do more and represents the approach that the Rendell Administration is taking to ignite economic development: taking innovative approaches, finding unexpected solutions and building invaluable partnerships. With the support of Governor Rendell and our most visionary companies, we can make an immediate and relevant impact.
Already, today, we are off to a remarkable start. Our founding partner corporations demonstrate boldly step forward to embrace this opportunity because they value the workers of yesterday and today. With their commitment, they make a difference in the lives of both.
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