NC Lottery Approves "Mega Millions"

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NC Lottery Approves "Mega Millions"

Special Report - November 5, 2009
The North Carolina Lottery Commission voted unanimously on November 2nd to introduce a second national lottery game in 2010 by selling tickets for the Mega Millions multi-state drawing in addition to Powerball. Tickets for the Mega Millions game could be available in the state by the end of January 2010. The drawings in the 12 participating states take place on Tuesdays and Fridays. Powerball drawings in the 32 participating jurisdictions are on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The Multi State Lottery Association (MUSL), which runs Powerball, has reached an agreement in principle with the consortium behind Mega Millions to cross-sell tickets for both games beginning in 2010. The groups hope the deal will boost lottery revenues in participating states, and hope to launch a national lottery game in late fall 2010. “By adding another big jackpot game, our state can expect cross-selling revenues to be 18 to 25 percent higher than current Powerball sales for the first fiscal year or roughly $38 million to $52 million,” said Tom Shaheen, director of the NC Lottery and MUSL president, in a press release. “This would mean a return of approximately $11 million to $15 million more for education. If we experience longer jackpot runs than anticipated, these numbers may be higher.” The North Carolina Lottery expects to surpass the $4 billion mark this month in gross sales since its inception in 2006.

Also this week, the NC Lottery launched its holiday-themed games. Jingle Big Ol’ Bucks sells for $5 with prizes between $50 and $100 and eight $100,000 prizes. Holiday Gifts sells for $2 with prizes up to $1,000 and eight $25,000 top prizes. The $1 Stocking Stuffer games offer prizes between $50 and $100.

“The NC Lottery Commission has decided to use the lure of ‘mega million’ prizes with nearly impossible odds and the spirit of the Christmas season to encourage more North Carolinians to spend more of their money on a quick fix scheme that is nothing more than a regressive tax,” said Bill Brooks, president of the North Carolina Family Policy Council. “North Carolina families are still struggling to stay employed, find work, and make ends meet in a slow economy. The state should not be encouraging them to gamble away their hard earned dollars.”