BELLA VISTA — During the development of lottery legislation, a question that legislators heard often was, “When can I play Powerball?” Many folks in Bella Vista have been anticipating the launch of Powerball even more so than instant scratchoff tickets. That day has arrived. As of Oct. 31, Arkansans have the opportunity to play Powerball in their own state to benefit Arkansas’s students. No trips to Missouri for Powerball tickets. Now Arkansans can play Powerball in Arkansas.

Providing more opportunities for Arkansas’s students to earn a higher education is the driving force for the Arkansas Lottery. The 87th General Assembly passed Act 606 which legislates that the Arkansas Scholarship Fund provide scholarships and grants for Arkansans for in-state colleges and universities.

With a projection of $58 million in Powerball ticket sales from October 31, 2009-September 27, 2010, the college scholarship fund is set to reap the benefits of a significant infusion of funds. Conservatively, some 25% of each lottery dollar received from the sale of scratch-off tickets, Powerball and other draw games will be dedicated to the scholarship fund to benefit Arkansas families.

Powerball tickets are cost $1 and are available at any licensed Arkansas Scholarship Lottery retailer.

To play, the player can either select numbers by completing a ‘play slip’, which will be available at each retail location, or ask the retailer to generate a computer generated, random number selection known as a ‘quick pick’. For an additional $1, a player can add a multiplier option known as Powerplay, which automatically multiplies the player’s non-jackpotprize between two to five times.

Once a drawing takes place and the winning numbers are certified by auditors, these numbers will be posted at ‘www.myarkansaslottery.com’.

The live drawing will also be broadcast live in Arkansas at 10 p.m. CT on KARK-TV, Channel 4, in Little Rock. Traditionally, other media outlets, such as newspapers, publish the numbers in the next publication after the drawing.

Lottery Director Ernie Passailaigue said, "Powerball, the world’s premier lottery jackpot game, offers Arkansans the opportunity to playour lottery here and keep our hard earned dollars in state for the benefit of our students. We are excited to launch this unique game, which will broaden and diversify our player base.”

For those Bella Vista Powerball enthusiasts who wish to play the lottery with their discretionary dollars, tickets are now available . Just remember - if you can’t afford to lose; don’t play.

News, Pages 9 on 11/04/2009

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