Magnolia State residents get their first chance to strike it big Monday, when the Mississippi Lottery officially launches. The lottery’s first games will be scratch-off, with Powerball and Mega Millions coming on Jan. 30, 2020, according to the Mississippi Lottery Corp.
The first $80 million of net lottery annual proceeds will go toward the state’s infrastructure needs. After 10 years, proceeds up to $80 million will go into the state’s general fund. Any net proceeds over $80 million will be sent to the Education Enhancement Fund, which helps fund pre-k and the classroom supply fund.
“Mississippians will no longer have to cross into neighboring states to participate in these drawing-style games,” said Tom Shaheen, president of the lottery corporation. “They will soon have the opportunity for a chance to play big jackpot games four times per week, as well as many secondary prizes.”
Mississippi’s lottery was established by the state Legislature in 2018.
In preparation for the Nov. 25 launch, lottery officials have been holding retailer training workshops around the state.
“Retailers are the face of the lottery once we start selling tickets,” said Shaheen. “Players will depend on them to know how to play the games.”
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