FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — The Hoosier Lottery celebrates the 35th anniversary of its first ticket sale. We dove into the archives to see the Hoosier Lottery Fever in Fort Wayne in 1989. The first sale was on October 13, 1989, since then Hoosiers have been playing the lottery, winning big and helping to give back to good causes. It became established via state law following a referendum in 1988. Let's travel back in time when Hoosier Lottery Fever took hold of Fort Wayne, WANE 15's Erin Welch reporting. Since 1989, players have won more than $18 billion on Hoosier Lottery products. These prizes range from $1 to a $540 million winning Mega Millions® ticket sold in 2016, according to a press release. The Hoosier Lottery has sold more winning Powerball® jackpot tickets than any other state in the U.S. In Fort Wayne alone, millions of tickets are sold and prize money is given out. Lottery retailers also receive a commission on each ticket sold and cashed, along with the opportunity to receive additional bonus commissions if they sell a jackpot-winning ticket. Therefore since 1989, lottery retailers have earned $2 billion in commissions. When the Hoosier Lottery started, not everyone had the Hoosier Lottery Fever in Fort Wayne. Let's travel back into the archives where WANE 15's Jeff Neumeyer reports on the backlash of the lottery when it launched on Oct. 13, 1989. After paying the winner and the retailer, where does the rest of the money go? The proceeds fund numerous organizations in Indiana. Some of the proceeds help support the Teachers' Retirement Fund and local police and firefighters' pensions. Funds also go to the Lottery Surplus Fund, used in part to lower excise taxes paid by Hoosier vehicle owners. Since its founding, the Hoosier Lottery has given back more than $7.4 billion to good causes, "to build a Stronger, Safer, Smarter Indiana." The Hoosier Lottery has earned World Lottery Association Level 4 Certification through 2024 for achieving the highest level of responsible gaming, according to a press release. Players can access free tools and resources available here. Throughout this upcoming year, the Hoosier Lottery will be celebrating with special promotions and other exciting opportunities to win.