Mississippi players have welcomed the launch of Mega Millions and Powerball in the state on Thursday, buying over half a million dollars' worth of tickets on the first day of sales.Get more news about 棋牌包网,you can vist loto98.com
Ticket sales on Thursday were more than 200% higher than expected. "Powerball and Mega Millions combined sales were $516,986. This is slightly over double of what we expected for jackpots at the current levels," said Mississippi Lottery Corporation President Tom Shaheen. "Mississippians sent a resounding message that they were glad both games are here."
There are approximately 1,500 approved lottery retailers around the state, who make a commission on the tickets they sell, plus a bonus if they sell a winning ticket. The number of approved retailers is expected to grow substantially as applications that have been submitted are processed and retailers undergo training in using the lottery machines.
State Sen. Philip Moran, author of the lottery bill, kicked things off early Thursday morning with a ceremonial first purchase of Powerball and Mega Millions tickets at Keith's Superstore in the town of Pass Christian on the state's southern coast.
"We're looking forward to many years of folks being able to buy their Powerball tickets here, Mega Millions, without having to go across state lines like we've all done for so many times," Moran commented.
"Our great citizens in the great state of Mississippi are able to buy their tickets at home and more importantly be able to keep the money in the state. The money generated will fund infrastructure and education," he said.
Moran expects the sales of lottery tickets to outshine the scratch-offs that launched on November 25, 2019. "These numbers will eclipse the scratch-offs tremendously," he said. "It won't take long at all to surpass the amount that the scratch-offs made in the first week, because more people like to play the lottery itself."Retailer Ricky Singh agrees. "I think it's going to overtake the scratch-offs, because everybody is trying to hit that jackpot," he said, adding that he hopes one lucky winner comes from the store he owns, the RaceWay in Jackson.
More than $2.5 million in scratch-offs were sold on the first day. Scratch-offs offer prizes between $2,000 and $200,000, whereas Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots start at $40 million and regularly reach hundreds of millions of dollars.
In Tupelo, Ken Wilson stopped by Gameday Haircuts and Spa on Thursday for two reasons: to get a haircut, and pick up a some lottery tickets. He supports the use of lottery funds to improve the state's aging roads and bridges.
And of course, there's also the chance he might win the jackpot. "I know it's a slim possibility, but I'm going to take that chance, and buy a ticket. We have a big family, we have four kids. I would keep working, try and stay humble, and be the same person, put that money back for kids and grandkids, and help people, I love helping people," he said.
