The Mississippi Lottery looks set to be a roaring success with the first day of sales on Monday taking $2.5 million, hauling a healthy profit of $570,000 for the state.
Nearly 1,200 retailers in 80 of the state's 82 counties were allowed to start selling tickets from 5 am Monday with most reporting brisk sales as the day unfolded. Retailers keep 6% of lottery ticket sales.
Commenting on the first day of sales the lottery's president, Tom Shaheen, says the state has exceeded expectations.
“We believe Mississippi has more than exceeded expectations. We knew Mississippians were ready to play the lottery. We did not foresee the level of their excitement! Next, onto Powerball and Mega Millions!”
Profit from the Mississippi Lottery will pay for much-needed road maintenance and infrastructure needs.
For 10 years, the first $80 million will go to infrastructure needs and when the 10 years is over, that money goes to the general fund. Anything over $80 million will go to education.
Launching with 5 Scratch Cards the Mississippi Lottery Corporation has plans to introduce lots more games in the coming weeks including online games, such as Powerball and Mega Millions, as well as future in-state games such as Pick 3 and Pick 4.
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