treasurer cahill announces massachusetts state lottery powerball agreement

State Treasurer Tim Cahill announced today that Massachusetts has reached an agreement in principle to join the multi-state Powerball lottery game. The state is part of a larger agreement allowing 45 lotteries across the nation, including Massachusetts, to offer both the popular Mega Millions and Powerball games.

Our on-going discussions with Powerball states have culminated with a significant agreement that will have enormous benefits for Massachusetts, said Treasurer Cahill, who chairs the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. The ability to sell both games in Massachusetts will enable us to raise millions more in needed revenue for our 351 cities and towns.

Once fully implemented, the new agreement with Powerball is expected to raise between $25 million and $40 million on an annual basis for Massachusetts cities and towns. Powerball is likely to begin in Massachusetts within the first six months of 2010, after details are finalized with participating states.

Our perseverance and commitment to raising money for Massachusetts was a key component to getting this arrangement done, Treasurer Cahill said. This, by definition, is a win-win for everyone involved, especially the taxpayers of Massachusetts.

The agreement comes after months of discussions between the 12 larger Mega Millions states www.megamillions.com. and the 33-member Multi-State Lottery Association that comprises Powerball www.powerball.com..

Mega Millions states, including Massachusetts, sold more than $2.5 billion in tickets last fiscal year, while Powerball states sold $2.1 billion in tickets. Jackpots in the two games have grown to levels approaching $400 million. The cross-selling agreement is expected to increase the frequency, size and scope of gigantic jackpots.