More States Move to Add Mega Millions, Powerball

Posted on November 20th, 2009

Multi state lotteries such as Powerball and Mega Millions are extremely popular with lottery players across the US. Multi state lotteries usually have much bigger jackpots than those offered by individual state lotteries. Due to agreements with both multi state lottery associations most states offered either Powerball or Mega Millions but not both lotteries. This is rapidly changing as more states enter agreements which will allow players to purchase lottery tickets for both Powerball and Mega Millions.

Texas recently announced it may add Powerball and could sell tickets for Mega Millions and Powerball by early 2010. The state estimates that the addition of Powerball will add $35 million dollars to the state’s treasury. Texas Lottery Deputy Executive Director Gary Grief said, “Today was another step towards bringing Powerball to Texas lottery players and generating additional revenue for the Foundation School Fund.” Currently Mega Millions is played in 12 states and Powerball is played in 31 states, the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands.

Iowa has moved to add the Mega Millions lottery in addition to Powerball and will begin to cross sell tickets for both multi state lotteries sometime in 2010. Iowa Lottery CEO Terry Rich said that many details still need to be worked out and expects Mega Millions to be available to Iowa lottery players by January 31st 2010. The addition of Mega Millions to the Iowa is part of an agreement by both multi state lottery associations that calls for all US lotteries to allow players to purchase lottery tickets for both lotteries. There is also talk of a National Lottery.

Arkansas will also join the many states offering Powerball and Mega Millions. The South Carolina lottery commission unanimously voted to add Mega Millions and tickets are expected to be available to South Carolina lottery players January 31st 2010. The organizations behind both multi state lotteries agreed to allow cross selling of both Powerball and Mega Millions tickets but will leave it up to the individual states to decide whether they will allow players to purchase lottery tickets for both lotteries.

North Dakota is also considering adding Mega Millions. Proponents of the move say North Dakota could lose some lottery business to Minnesota is the state does not add Mega Millions. North Dakota currently participates in the Powerball lottery. North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem expressed opposition to the move.

The way things are going it looks like lottery fans in most states will be able to play both big money games in the near future. Things are certainly looking up for lottery players everywhere.