The Texas Lottery Commission took another step Tuesday toward allowing Texans to buy Powerball tickets.
"Today was another step towards bringing Powerball to Texas lottery players and generating additional revenue for the Foundation School Fund," said Texas Lottery Deputy Executive Director Gary Grief.
It is estimated that adding Powerball to the state's lottery games could add an estimated $35 million to the state coffers that help fund education.
The largest advertised jackpot for Powerball was $365 million in 2006, while the $370 million Mega Millions jackpot record was set in March 2007.
Mega Millions is currently played in 12 states, including Texas, with a total population of approximately 161 million. Thirty-one state lotteries, the District of Columbia and the U.S Virgin Islands currently participate in Powerball, with a total population of approximately 130 million.
The Lottery Commission will take public comments until Dec. 14 and then make its final decision.
If approved, the sale of Powerball tickets in Texas could begin early next year.
