01/31/2006

SALISBURY- It is the end of an era for the Maryland Lotto. 

Lotto will end its 22-year run this Wednesday. Lotto, which made its debut on Oct. 31, 1983, is a six-digit game that produced 623 millionaires (before taxes). But state officials say it was not bringing in enough money so they are replacing it with the Multi-Match game. Store owners in Salisbury say the new game includes a bigger jackpot and more chances to win.

"Customers are pretty excited about it," said Terry Jilani, owner of TJ's Market. "They want to try something new and better than Maryland Lotto- better than what we have."

Most Lotto jackpots were around $1 million. Officials say that figure was too low for people compared to other games.