History of Michigan Lottery in Timeline

The Michigan Lottery was established in 1972 through Public Act 239. Its primary purpose is to generate revenue for the State of Michigan's public school system. The Lottery offers a variety of games, including instant tickets, lotto games, and online games. It is overseen by the Michigan Lottery Bureau, which is responsible for ensuring the integrity and fairness of the games. The revenue generated significantly contributes to the state's educational funding, supplementing other sources of funding for public schools across Michigan.

November 13, 1972: Green Ticket game started

On November 13, 1972, the Michigan Lottery began with the launch 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 for the Michigan Lottery.

June 6, 1977: Terminal-based games commenced

On June 6, 1977, terminal-based games started 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.

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

In 1992, Powerball began.

August 31, 1996: First The Big Game ticket sold

On August 31, 1996, the first ticket for The Big Game (now 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, available mostly in social settings.

September 12, 2004: Fantasy 5 began

On September 12, 2004, Fantasy 5 began, replacing Rolldown. The game involves selecting 5 numbers from 1 to 39, with jackpots starting at $100,000 and drawings held daily. Also "ezMatch" is a separate game that can be purchased and played separately from the nightly draw.

May 15, 2005: Lotto 47 introduced

On May 15, 2005, Lotto 47 was introduced, replacing Winfall. Players pick 6 numbers from 1 to 47 with drawings held twice weekly and jackpots starting at $1 million. Also "ezMatch" is an add-on game to Lotto 47.

2010: Club Keno made 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 Powerball.

January 2011: Megaplier option became 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, 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, Michigan Lottery introduced an add-on feature for Fantasy 5 & Lotto 47 games for an extra $1, giving players another chance to match their numbers in a second drawing.