Missouri Launches Lottery

Missouri, once a Bible Belt state that frowned upon legalized gambling, today became the 22nd state to sponsor a lottery.

Sales started at noon and many outlets reported heavy activity for the $1 instant game that offers prizes ranging from $2 to $86,000. The law enacting the lottery was passed overwhelmingly in November, 1984, with legislators saying it was needed because Missourians were flocking to adjacent states with lotteries to spend their money.