Surrounded by elected officials, Mississippi Lottery Corporation Board and employees, media outlets and a collection of excited customers, Rep. Alyce G. Clarke made the ceremonial purchase of the first lottery ticket in Mississippi Nov. 25, 2019. Among those attendees was Ricky Singh, then owner of the H and R Raceway where the ticket was purchased.
Singh will be forever be a part of Mississippi Lottery history along with the other retailers who began selling Lottery tickets that day.
Five years later, more than 1800 retailers have seen 191 instant games hit shelves, 7 draw games get their start and customers return again and again to play their favorite games.
“Since that exciting day, retailers have benefitted tremendously,” said Singh, owner of Jackson-area USA Food Mart and Gas, Southland Grocery and Gas, P&N Grocery and GSR.
Singh added, “One of my favorite things about being a lottery retailer is the continued excitement it brings our customers. They don’t have to cross state lines anymore for that experience”
Singh went on to say that the Lottery has benefitted retailers tremendously as it has helped to bring in customers and created a whole new revenue stream that benefits sales across the board. Customers come in to buy lottery tickets, then make subsequent purchases benefitting the store. Singh emphasized the importance of customer relations, including consistently paying winners.
When asked what he would like to see the Lottery accomplish in the next five years, Singh commented without hesitation “even more players!”
“More players means more money for the schools and roadways and the more retailers that get involved, the more we can help these systems. It’s extra money for you and the state.”
As of Dec. 10, 2025, lottery proceeds totaling $624,676,191.38 have been transferred to the state.
