History of Michigan Lottery in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 24, 2026

The Michigan Lottery was established in 1972 under Public Act 239. Its primary purpose is to generate revenue for Michigan's public education system. The lottery offers various games, including instant tickets (scratch-offs) and draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions, with proceeds directly benefiting the state's School Aid Fund.

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 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.

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 in the Michigan Lottery with the introduction of the Daily 3 game.

August 13, 1984: Michigan Lotto Game Introduced

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

1990: Keno! Initiated

In 1990, the Keno! game was initiated, where players select 10 numbers out of 80 and 22 numbers are chosen during the daily drawings.

1992: Powerball Began

In 1992, Powerball began, a game where players select six numbers from two pools.

August 31, 1996: The Big Game Ticket Sold

On August 31, 1996, the first The Big Game (now Mega Millions) ticket 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.

September 12, 2004: Fantasy 5 Game Began

On September 12, 2004, the Fantasy 5 game began, replacing the Rolldown game. Players select 5 numbers from 1 to 39, and jackpots begin at $100,000.

May 15, 2005: Lotto 47 Game Introduced

On May 15, 2005, the Lotto 47 game was introduced, replacing the Winfall game. Players pick 6 numbers from 1 to 47, and drawings are held twice weekly with jackpots starting at $1 million.

2010: Michigan Joined Powerball

In 2010, Michigan joined Powerball, allowing its residents to participate in the game.

2010: Club Keno Made Available Statewide

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

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 for Mega Millions.

August 2014: Website Re-launched

In August 2014, the Michigan Lottery re-launched its website, giving players the opportunity to buy tickets for some draw games and a host of "virtual" scratch-off games over the internet.

January 2019: Add-on Feature Introduced

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