History of Michigan Lottery in Timeline

The Michigan Lottery was established in 1972 by Public Act 239 to generate revenue for Michigan's public schools. It is a state-run lottery that offers various games, with proceeds directly benefiting the state's education system. The lottery plays a significant role in funding public education initiatives throughout Michigan.

November 13, 1972: Green Ticket Game Started

On November 13, 1972, the Michigan Lottery began with the start of the Green Ticket game.

1972: Michigan Lottery Initiated

In 1972, the Michigan Lottery was initiated under the authority of Public Act 239 to collect funds for Michigan's public school system.

February 22, 1973: First $1 Million Prize Won

On February 22, 1973, Hermus Millsaps of Taylor, Michigan won the first $1 million prize in the Michigan Lottery. He worked at a Chrysler Automobile plant.

October 7, 1975: First Instant Game Ticket Purchased

On October 7, 1975, the first instant game ticket was purchased in the Michigan Lottery.

June 6, 1977: Terminal-Based Games Commenced

On June 6, 1977, terminal-based games commenced with the introduction of the Daily 3 game.

August 13, 1984: First "Michigan Lotto" Game Introduced

On August 13, 1984, the first "Michigan Lotto" game was introduced in the Michigan Lottery.

1990: Keno! Initiated

In 1990, the Keno! game was initiated, where players select 10 numbers out of 80, and matching 10 numbers wins $250,000.

1992: Powerball Began

Powerball began in 1992.

August 31, 1996: First The Big Game Ticket Sold

On August 31, 1996, the first ticket for The Big Game, now known as Mega Millions, was sold.

September 6, 1996: The Big Game Began

On September 6, 1996, six lotteries, including Michigan's, began The Big Game, which later became Mega Millions.

2003: Club Games Added

In 2003, Club Games, consisting of the Club Keno game and pull-tabs, were added and made available mostly in social settings like bars, restaurants and bowling centers.

September 12, 2004: Fantasy 5 Launched

On September 12, 2004, Fantasy 5 began, replacing the Rolldown game, with players selecting 5 numbers from 1 to 39 and jackpots starting at $100,000.

May 15, 2005: Lotto 47 Introduced

On May 15, 2005, Lotto 47 was introduced, replacing Winfall, with players picking 6 numbers from 1 to 47 and jackpots starting at $1 million.

2010: Club Keno Available Statewide

In 2010, Club Keno was made available to all retailers across the state of Michigan.

2010: Michigan Joined Powerball

In 2010, Michigan joined the Powerball lottery.

January 2011: Megaplier Option Available

In January 2011, the Megaplier option, which multiplies a non-jackpot prize by 2, 3, 4, or 5, became available in Michigan.

August 2014: Website Re-launched

In August 2014, the Michigan Lottery re-launched its website, allowing players to buy tickets for some draw games and virtual scratch-off games online.

January 2019: Add-on Feature Introduced for Fantasy 5 & Lotto 47

In January 2019, the Michigan Lottery introduced an add-on feature for Fantasy 5 and Lotto 47 games, providing players with another chance to match their numbers in a second drawing for an extra $1.