
First MS Lottery retailers have been approved
By Todd Northrop
People wanting to play the Mississippi lottery will be able to do so slightly sooner than expected.
The Mississippi Lottery Corp. announced it will start selling scratch-off lottery tickets Nov. 25 — the Monday before Thanksgiving. Lottery officials had originally planned to begin sales on Dec. 1.
Multi-state lottery tickets for games such as Powerball and Mega Millions are expected to go on sale in early 2020.
The lottery corporation has begun mailing acceptance letters to approved retailers that will sell tickets. According to the Mississippi Lottery's website, over 400 retailers have been approved to sell lottery tickets already.
Prospective lottery players who want to stake out the closest Mississippi Lottery retailers can use the free Lottery Places app (www.lotteryplaces.com). Lottery Places is the only app on the market that will locate lottery retailers in every state and jurisdiction throughout the United States. It also finds lottery retailers in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, and much of the Caribbean.
"The pillar of the lottery is having successful retailers on board," said Mississippi Lottery President Tom Shaheen. "We are working with retailers to ensure they are well-prepared for launch."
Potential retailers who have not signed up and are interested are instructed to visit www.mslotteryhome.com and select "Retailer Resources." There is no limit to the number of retailers the Mississippi Lottery may accept.
The lottery is expected to generate $40 million in the first year before growing to $80 million to $100 million a year thereafter. Proceeds from the lottery go towards infrastructure improvements and education.
The Mississippi Lottery leaves only five states — Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah — without lotteries.
Alabama's Senate approved a lottery in its most recent session but it failed to get a vote in the House. There are efforts in the Alabama legislature to try again this year.
Proceeds from an Alabama lottery would have been used to repay money borrowed by the Alabama Trust Fund and then would have been split between the trust fund and the general fund.
Congratulations to the work done by the Mississippi Lottery Corp.
Here's to a successful beginning.
I will be buying a $5.00 book for $250.00 I will be at the store waiting in line. Or, hopefully no line.....
When they have PB & MM will have to take a comp (junket) flight to Beau Rivage casino in Biloxi and play across the street.
One of the many gift shops there may be selling them. They have a great coffee house, and ice cream shop. Most people have never been to that area of Beau Rivage's first floor. I've spent so many Thanksgivings, Christmases, & New Years there, it became a second home to me during the holidays. That Mary Mahoney's restaurant has great food near the casino. Maybe tickets would be sold there? The excitement is building!
IDK if they will or not, and like you, been to those stores. I had asked their Sister property or should I say MGM property twice for Borgata in AC to sell tickets. They won't budge even though I told them I have to go Caesars property on the boardwalk to buy lotto. Just last weekend found that KY has small lottery machines about same size as an ATM machine which do not have scratch tickets, that would be ideal. Two casinos in OH that I've been to sell them right in the casino via machines that have all products available. Casino in Lincoln, RI has a machine on the second floor, and one casino in CT has two-three stores that sell them. I don't get what is the big deal, keep the customer happy. So we'll see what happens with Beau Rivage, in fact will PM them right now to put a bug in their ear.
I like the website. It’s nice and fun.
I live in Mississippi cant wait to start playing I live just 2 minutes away from the store Powerball and mega millions coming in February or March
Happy for you and all other Mississippians with your up and coming lottery.
30 JANUARY 2020 Mississippi will launch both Mega Millions and Powerball! They really have planned this out quite well.