America's Biggest Game Just Got Bigger; California Joins Mega Millions

America's Biggest Game Just Got Bigger; California Joins Mega Millions

MEGA MILLIONS, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- America's biggest Lottery game just got a whole lot bigger with the addition of California to the multi-state game "Mega Millions." Director Chon Gutierrez of the California State Lottery officially announced that California will join the eleven other Mega Millions states later this year.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020410/NYW073LOGO )

"In looking at our product line, we wanted to make sure we had the most exciting and entertaining Lottery products we could," said Gutierrez. "Adding Mega Millions was a sure way to bring new energy and enthusiasm to the California Lottery's games." Gutierrez and his staff spent over a year researching a multi-state game before making their decision.

"We are thrilled to welcome the State of California to our Mega Millions family," said Buddy Roogow, Maryland State Lottery Director and President of the Mega Millions Group. The entry of California into the Mega Millions game will result in faster growing jackpots, along with other changes sure to be popular with players. California, with a population of 35 million, will now be the largest state participating in Mega Millions, bringing the total population in all twelve states to more than 150 million. "California is excited to be the newest state to join Mega Millions, said Gutierrez. "By being one of the states with the largest population, our arrival will only help to drive the multi-million dollar jackpots over the top!"

The price of tickets will remain at $1.00 and Mega Millions drawings will continue to be held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, 10:00 PM Central Standard Time and 8:00 PM Pacific Standard Time.

"Everyone wins with the addition of California to Mega Millions," said Roogow. "Sales of Mega Millions are jackpot driven, so when those jackpots are higher, sales will increase substantially and each of the Mega Millions states will benefit from the additional revenue that will be generated."

Mega Millions was launched in 1996 as "The Big Game" and was played in six states. In 2002, it was renamed Mega Millions and now is available in Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and Washington State. Mega Millions holds the record for the largest jackpot in North American history, reaching $363 million in May of 2000.

For more information on Mega Millions, visit http://www.megamillions.com/.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020410/NYW073LOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Mega Millions Media Center

CONTACT: Carole Everett, +1-410-230-8725, or cell: +1-410-591-7500, for
Mega Millions

Web site: http://www.megamillions.com/


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