News writer
Who doesn't like to play a new game from the lottery?
That is exactly what will be happening in Mississippi, as residents will get the opportunity to play the draw game Lotto America starting May 12.
Mississippi joins the other jurisdictions on May 12
Mississippi will be the 14th jurisdiction playing Lotto America. The other 13 jurisdictions are Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
Lottery players can start purchasing tickets on Sunday, May 12, in Mississippi. However, the first drawing for the new game in the Mississippi Lottery will be on Monday, May 13. Drawings will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 9:15 p.m. CT.
Lotto America - how does it work?
For Lotto America, the jackpot starts at $2 million and grows every time someone doesn't win it. Tickets are $1 per play.
The field of numbers for Lotto America is smaller than other multi-state jackpot draw games. Players will choose five numbers from 1 to 52 and one Star Ball number from 1 to 10. Players can pick their own numbers or choose the Quick Pick option, which allows the computer to generate numbers for them. Players can also choose how many drawings they would like those numbers for.
There are nine prize categories available for Lotto America, which range from $2 up to the jackpot.
Like many of the other multi-state lottery games, Lotto America also has a multiplier option called the All Star Bonus. This multiplier option will cost you an additional $1, and the All Star Bonus multiplies all non-jackpot winnings by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times yielding winnings up to $100,000.
Players also have the option to play EZ-Match, which features the ability to win instantly and in the drawing. This will cost the player just $1. For the EZ-Match, players will be assigned EZ-Match numbers. If any of those EZ-Match numbers match the Lotto America numbers, then the player wins the prize amount shown next to the EZ-Match number instantly, up to $500. The EZ-Match Star Ball must match the Lotto America Star Ball in order to win.
The Mississippi Lottery President Jeff Hewitt said:
Lotto America is popular in many other states. As we noted player feedback, many players mentioned offering a draw-style game with a jackpot in between Match 5 and Powerball or Mega Millions. Lotto America is the perfect addition to our portfolio.
With nine overall prize categories, the overall odds of winning a prize is 1 in 9.63. If you happen to win the jackpot, then you can choose to have it paid out either as an annuitized prize paid in 30 graduated payments over 29 years. Or winners can choose to get their winnings in one lump sum payment.
Enjoy playing the Mississippi Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
