By Eryk Yunk
STARKVILLE, Miss. (Take 30 News)--- At the end of January 2020, Mississippi became the 45th state to sell Powerball and Mega Million Lottery Tickets. The state instated scratch off lottery tickets last year. A spokesperson said it has already seen huge rewards from the sales.
The state of Mississippi finds itself in the second week of its newly introduced Powerball and Mega Millions Lottery. The newly instated lottery, is recorded to be at over 70 million dollars before taxes are withdrawn.
Many local Starkville residents and residents of the state, are trying their best for the grand prize. But, will this new gambling option be good for the state?
Starkville resident Blake Beavers is excited about the chance to play.
“I think it’ll be good for the State, I’m excited, I used to play the Powerball when I lived in Georgia” Beavers said.
In November of 2019 Mississippi instated scratch off lottery tickets, and now in 2020 they’re welcoming the Powerball.
The state has made over 54 million in tax revenue since their installment of scratch off lottery tickets. A study done in 2017 showed that the average adult spent 285 dollars on lottery tickets per year. The state could see huge tax payoffs from these purchases.
Beavers also commented on why Mississippi made this change.
“I think so I think Mississippi’s doing Powerball now because they see how much tax revenue it brings into the state” Beavers said.
According to the Mississippi Lottery Corporation, the tax revenue will be put towards highway renovations for the state.
Our neighboring state Alabama is one of the 5 remaining states to not have the Powerball.