The Missouri Lottery has been operating since 1986 and is run by the government of Missouri, which is a charter member of the Multi-State Lottery Association. The lottery runs a series of games including Mega Millions, Powerball, Lotto, Pick 3 DAY, Pick 3 EVE, Pick 4 DAY, Pick 4 EVE and Show Me Cash.

Significant amounts of the profits of the Missouri Lottery are used to fund educational programmes in the state. Since 1992 educational programmes have been the sole benefactor of the state’s lottery. In fact, over $280 million was contributed to public year in 2012 alone.

The money used for education in the state supports a wide range of programmes which include the A+ Scholarship Program, Virtual Schools, Special Education Excess Costs, construction of college and university buildings, libraries and scholarships. The proceeds from the lottery make up roughly 4 per cent of the funding for Missouri’s public elementary, secondary and higher education systems.