November 13, 1972

Michigan’s first state lottery ticket was sold.

After voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment allowing Michigan to establishment a lottery, Governor William Milliken signed Public Act 239 creating the Michigan State Lottery. He appointed Gus Harrison as the lottery’s first commissioner. Although Milliken purchased the lottery’s first 50-cent green game ticket, when the drawing was made eleven days later, he was not the winner.

Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past.  See more here.