GRAYSON CO - With so many U.S. troops returning home to a struggling economy, the need for veterans assistance programs has become even more important. A new Texas lottery scratch-off is giving people the chance to gamble on a better future for our troops.

A new Texas scratch-off lottery ticket could help veterans returning home from war to get back in the game.

"There are a lot of veterans out there who are out of work, said retire Master Sgt. Bill Phillips. "They can't afford their medical care."

The $2 Veterans Cash scratch-off's went on sale this week. The ticket stubs feature a group of soldiers silhouetted against a setting sun with the words "Honoring all who served." Proceeds from the tickets will go to the Texas Fund For Veterans' Assistance which helps pay for veterans' travel to medical facilities, counseling, housing, legal assistance, and career training.

"This program will help fund a lot of the needs of the veterans," said Phillips.

Now only about one out of every four of these guys turns out a winner, but even if you don't scratch off your dream prize, you can at least rest easy knowing that you're helping out veterans who really need it.

While they are the newest, these aren't the first lottery tickets to benefit veterans. Store manager Roger Spence says in the beginning they expect to see an immediate spike in sales.

"Initially people will buy them because they benefit Texas veterans and that's a good thing," said Spence, "but if they pay off good it will sell faster."

More than 8 million Veterans Cash tickets are for sale, offering a total of about $10.7 million in prizes.