Missouri Lottery

The Missouri Lottery is run by the government of Missouri. It is a charter member of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), whose first drawing was held in 1988.

History

The Lottery began selling tickets January 20, 1986. An executive director oversees the organization and reports to a five-member commission that is appointed by the governor. May Scheve Reardon took over as Missouri Lottery executive director in December, 2009.

In the beginning, Lottery proceeds were directed to Missouri's General Revenue fund. In 1992, voters approved Amendment 11, which earmarked proceeds for public education. All monies since July 1993 have gone to education programs. Proceeds are appropriated by the Legislature.

The Lottery offers Scratchers tickets, plus the online games Missouri Lotto, Club Keno, Pick 3, Pick 4, Show Me Cash, and Powerball. Powerball's former rival, Mega Millions, came to Missouri on January 31, 2010. The $250,000 Scratcher card generated much publicity when unemployed couple Robert Russell and Tracie Rogers won the jackpot in July 2010.^[1]

The Lottery's mission: "The Missouri Lottery generates funds to provide educational opportunities for Missouri students, support Missouri businesses and entertain millions."

The minimum age to purchase a Missouri Lottery ticket is 18.

Lottery games

Current in-house games

Club Keno

Club Keno is a Numbers Game with drawings every four minutes. Traditionally sold in age-controlled environments, the game is now available at any Missouri Lottery retail location as Keno To Go. Prices, prizes, and options vary.

Pick 3

Pick 3 is drawn twice daily, seven days a week. Prices, prizes, and options vary.

Pick 4

Pick 4 is almost identical to Pick 3.

Show Me Cash

Show Me Cash is played daily, drawing 5 numbers from 1 to 39. Games cost $1 each. Jackpots begin at $50,000, increasing by at least $5,000 until there is a 5-of-5 winner.

Missouri Lotto

Missouri Lotto is drawn Wednesdays and Saturdays; 6 numbers from 1 to 44 are chosen. Games cost $1 each. Jackpots begin at $1 million.

Current multi-jurisdictional games

Powerball

Powerball began in 1992. Its jackpots begin $20 million, with drawings on Wednesday and Saturday nights.

Mega Millions

On October 13, 2009, the Mega Millions consortium and MUSL reached an agreement in principle to cross-sell Mega Millions and Powerball in U.S. lottery jurisdictions. Missouri began selling Mega Millions tickets on January 31, 2010.

Former games

Fun & Fortune

For several years in the 1990s, the Lottery aired a television game show called Fun & Fortune, hosted by Rick Tamblyn. (Nationally-known Geoff Edwards hosted the pilot.)

References

1. ^ "Lottery Winner! Groom Gives Bride Ticket of $250K as Early Wedding Gift". National Ledger. July 18, 2010. http://www.nationalledger.com/lifestyle/article_272633320.shtml. Retrieved July 25, 2010. 

External links

• Missouri Lottery website