COLUMBIA, SC (January 27, 2010) – The launch of Mega Millions® in South Carolina on Sunday, January 31, will be a lottery “history-making” event. Mega Millions® joins the Lottery’s line-up which already includes one powerhouse jackpot game, Powerball®.
The largest lottery agreement in U.S. history has made it possible for states to sell both Mega Millions® and Powerball® tickets. On January 31, the South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL) will be one of 33 jurisdictions to offer both multi-state jackpot games.
Mega Millions® drawings will be televised on the Lottery’s draw partner stations each Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. Powerball® drawings are held each Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m.
“What this means for South Carolina is another jackpot game, more winners, more prizes paid out, and more opportunities to raise additional funds for education in our state,” said Paula Harper Bethea, SCEL’s Executive Director.
The original Powerball® states, South Carolina included, will offer the Megaplier® multiplier option when Mega Millions® tickets go on sale. Of the Mega Millions® jurisdictions, only Texas offers Megaplier®. The Megaplier® multiplies non-jackpot winnings by 2, 3, or 4 depending on the Megaplier® number drawn. Both Mega Millions® and Powerball® tickets cost $1 each and both have a multiplier option for an additional $1.
“Our retailers are as excited as we are about the Mega Millions® and Powerball® partnership,” Bethea said. “Some are hosting special promotions with free hot dogs, soft drinks and reduced gas prices on February 2 and 5, the days of the Mega Millions® drawings.”
Since the Lottery’s inception in 2002, the General Assembly has appropriated more than $2.2 billion for educational purposes through fiscal year 2010.
The largest lottery agreement in U.S. history has made it possible for states to sell both Mega Millions® and Powerball® tickets. On January 31, the South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL) will be one of 33 jurisdictions to offer both multi-state jackpot games.
Mega Millions® drawings will be televised on the Lottery’s draw partner stations each Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. Powerball® drawings are held each Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m.
“What this means for South Carolina is another jackpot game, more winners, more prizes paid out, and more opportunities to raise additional funds for education in our state,” said Paula Harper Bethea, SCEL’s Executive Director.
The original Powerball® states, South Carolina included, will offer the Megaplier® multiplier option when Mega Millions® tickets go on sale. Of the Mega Millions® jurisdictions, only Texas offers Megaplier®. The Megaplier® multiplies non-jackpot winnings by 2, 3, or 4 depending on the Megaplier® number drawn. Both Mega Millions® and Powerball® tickets cost $1 each and both have a multiplier option for an additional $1.
“Our retailers are as excited as we are about the Mega Millions® and Powerball® partnership,” Bethea said. “Some are hosting special promotions with free hot dogs, soft drinks and reduced gas prices on February 2 and 5, the days of the Mega Millions® drawings.”
Since the Lottery’s inception in 2002, the General Assembly has appropriated more than $2.2 billion for educational purposes through fiscal year 2010.
1313