Mega Millions coming to RI

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - Rhode Islanders will soon have another way to become a millionaire. Rhode Island Lottery announced Wednesday Mega Millions will be available in the state starting Jan. 31.

The Multi-State Lottery Association and the Mega Millions consortium just merged, allowing retailers in 33 participating states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts, to sell both PowerBall and Mega Millions.

The Rhode Island Lottery said with more people buying tickets, the jackpots for both games are expected grow much larger and much faster.

"I think there's going to be more business and I think it's going to be good," said Roumany Boules, Gulf Express.

But, Jim Dahl of Hills Liquors in Seekonk, which is right on the Rhode Island border, said he believes the advantage will go to Massachusetts.

"The first thing Rhode Island did is put a multiplier on the Mega Millions. Mega Millions to us never had a multiplier. I just find it funny they want people to pay that extra buck," Dahl said.

In celebration of the launch, the lottery will be giving away 100 free Mega Millions tickets to the first 100 people who go to the Rhode Island Gift Center at Warwick Mall Monday, Feb 1 at 10:30 a.m.

PowerBall drawings air locally Wednesday and Saturday nights on WPRI 12 and the results are posted on WPRI.com