Currently, the Michigan Lottery participates only in the multistate game Mega Millions. But as a result of an agreement in principle reached between the Mega Millions consortium of 12 states and the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), both tickets will be cross-sold in all U.S. lottery jurisdictions.

"Players frequently ask why they can't play Powerball in Michigan," Lottery Commissioner M. Scott Bowen said. "After several joint discussions between Mega Millions and MUSL, we are pleased an agreement has finally been reached to make that happen."

Bowen said once they go on sale, the Powerball tickets will be available at all of the Lottery's nearly 11,000 retailers who now sell Mega Millions tickets.

Each U.S. lottery jurisdiction currently offers one of the two "marquee games" in American lotteries: Mega Millions or Powerball.  The agreement means that lotteries from across the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands will be able to choose to offer their lottery players both jackpot games via their respective retailers.

No firm date has been set for implementation, although it is hoped that it could be in early 2010.

Bowen said that while the sale of Powerball tickets in Michigan could result in additional revenue to the School Aid Fund, it is premature to project how much.

"The addition of Powerball to our game lineup will most certainly drive jackpots for that game, which will drive sales here in Michigan," he said. "But it is a bit early to predict exact proceeds."

Mega Millions drawings are on Tuesdays and Fridays; Powerball drawings are Wednesdays and Saturdays.

In addition to Michigan, Mega Millions is currently played in 11 other states with a combined population of roughly 160 million.  Powerball is currently available in 33 lotteries (31 states plus the District of Columbia and Virgin Islands) with a combined population of roughly 125 million.

Over 95 cents of every dollar spent on Lottery tickets is returned to the state in the form of contributions to the state School Aid Fund, prizes to players and commissions to retailers. In fiscal year 2009, the contribution to schools was over $715 million. Since its inception in 1972, the Lottery has contributed more than $15 billion to education in Michigan.

For additional information, please visit the Lottery's Web site at  www.michigan.gov/lottery .

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