LANSING, April 22, 2009 – Michigan Lottery players can now purchase tickets for their favorite games for up to 60 consecutive drawings, Lottery officials announced this week.

Previously, players could purchase wagers with a maximum of 20 consecutive drawings in advance. However, many players expressed interest in purchasing even more consecutive drawings so they could ensure their participation in the games despite being out of town.

“This change should benefit those who want to continue to play while they are on vacation, or in some cases, while they are residing out of state during the Michigan winters,” said Lottery Commissioner M. Scott Bowen.

For example, the expanded option will allow Mega Millions or Classic Lotto 47 tickets to be purchased for up to 30 weeks in advance, which equals 60 drawings.

In addition to Mega Millions and Classic Lotto 47, games for which the 60 advance wagers can be purchased include Fantasy 5, Daily 4, Daily 3, Keno and Club Keno.

Over 95 cents of every dollar spent on Lottery tickets is returned to the state in the form of contributions to the state School Aid Fund, prizes to players and commissions to retailers. In fiscal year 2008, the contribution to schools was $740.7 million. Since its inception in 1972, the Lottery has contributed more than $15 billion to education in Michigan.

For additional information, please visit the Lottery’s Web site at https://www.michiganlottery.com.