MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – Mississippi residents hoping to win big will no longer have to cross state lines to buy lottery tickets. Thursday morning, Powerball and Mega Millions tickets were sold for the first time in the state’s history.
Jon Bratton was the first to buy a Powerball ticket at 5:00 a.m.from the Heaven Express Gas Station in Southaven.
“Maybe it’s the winning numbers,” he joked after beingfirst.
Store Manager Zeenat Hussaini said being able to sell Powerballand Mega Millions is good for business. With the business being close to theTennessee border, they’ve already seen more people from scratch off sales,which began in November.
Many buyers Thursday morning said they’ll now buy in Mississippiafter previously crossing into Tennessee.
“It’s more convenient and I hope the money goes to good usebecause I know the odds are really bad,” Peter Connelly, of Southaven,said.
Since scratch off tickets were introduced, the Mississippi Lotteryhas brought in more than $85 million. Each month, net proceeds will be given tothe state, which will go towards improving Mississippi roads, bridges, andeducation.
The first Powerball drawing will be Saturday night. The jackpot iscurrently $40 million.