The State of Mexico became the latest supporter of the National Lottery’s “México con M de Migrante” special draw, adding government backing to an initiative that’s already gaining momentum.
Olivia Salomón, who runs the National Lottery, announced the partnership and said President Sheinbaum has designated the funds to help Mexicans living abroad during uncertain times.
Nelly Minerva Carrasco Godínez, the State of Mexico’s Secretary of Culture and Tourism, stressed her state’s backing for the migrant-focused initiative during a presentation in Tonatico that drew around 200 people, including Mayor César Fuentes Domínguez.
Why Mexico Created This Migrant-Focused Draw
The lottery honours Mexican migrants who support their families from abroad, but there’s more to it than recognition.
Salomón highlighted that funds raised will strengthen consular services and protection programs for Mexicans living outside the country, though prizes get paid out first, then the remaining money supports the consular work.
Carrasco Godínez noted the draw provides social protection while acknowledging that migrants have contributed to families and communities despite living far away. This marks the first government-backed lottery with a specific social cause rather than general revenue generation.
What the September 15 Draw Includes
Four million tickets will cross borders on September 15 at 4 p.m., with each offering a chance to win up to MXN25.5 million ($1.42 million).
The timing isn’t coincidental – September 15 matches Mexico’s Independence Day while also starting Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. Officials say the lottery tickets will travel “as embraces” across borders, creating symbolic connections.
The collaboration between the Government of Morelos and National Lottery was announced just last week, showing how quickly support has built for the initiative.
How This Initiative Connects Mexican Communities
Salomón described this lottery as connecting Mexicans at home with migrants abroad, using the symbolic timing of Independence Day celebrations alongside the start of Hispanic Heritage Month in the US.
Carrasco Godínez stressed that migrants deserve recognition since they’ve helped their municipalities and the nation from afar, often while facing difficult circumstances.
The consular services will receive stronger support once prize money gets distributed, with officials planning to use remaining funds for protection programs that address real needs abroad.
This represents a new approach where government lotteries target specific social causes instead of just generating general revenue, while the cross-border ticket distribution creates physical connections between Mexican communities separated by borders.
