New lottery game coming to Florida

A new era for lottery players begins Wednesday as Florida adds Mega Millions, yet another game to inspire dreams of living in a mansion and buying more gadgets than Robert Downey Jr. shattered in “Ironman 3.”

Mega Millions ticket sales are starting at a good time. The nationwide game’s current jackpot is approaching $200 million, making that posh beach home quite affordable if you select the right six numbers.

Lotteries in Florida began in 1988. The Florida Lotto, with tickets sold only inside the state, was the dominant game for two decades. The record jackpot of $106.5 million hit in 1990. In 2009, the state added Powerball, a game now played in 43 states.

This year, on Feb. 28, Florida completed its entry into big-money lotteries when state officials announced they would add Mega Millions.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday. The first drawing is Friday.