New York May Add Powerball Lottery

Posted on April 28th, 2009

New York lottery players may have the chance to participate in the multi state Powerball Lottery soon. The legislature has given the go ahead for cash strapped New York to participate in another multi-jurisdictional game in an attempt to shore up the current state budget. At present New York participates in the multi state Mega Millions lottery and player reactions to the possible addition of the Powerball have been positive.

The New York state Division of Budget has estimated that Powerball ticket sales could generate $11 million during the first year and $21 million per year after that. Like many other states New York is having budget difficulties and officials say the money is sorely needed.

New York is presently working with the Multi-State Lottery Association to get approval to sell lottery tickets for both Mega Millions and Powerball. Other states are considering a similar move. At present New Yorkers must now go to Pennsylvania, Connecticut, or Vermont to purchase Powerball lottery tickets.

Chuck Strutt, executive director of the Multi-State Lottery Association in Iowa, said that his organization and the state of New York are, “doing some talking and exploring future possible connections. We’re at a learning stage.”
Despite the naysayers who believe that the addition of the Powerball lottery would promote more gambling the addition of Powerball in New York seems likely. Given the current budget shortfall in New York it sounds like they could really use the money that the addition of Powerball would generate.

Update; Many states now allow the sale of Powerball and Mega Millions tickets. In 2010 most states are expected to add both mega jackpot lotteries. The idea is wildly popular with lottery players who say they are looking forward to having access to both multi state lotteries. There has also been talk of a national lottery similar to those found in Europe. The idea of a national lottery has been on the back burner for some time buy it is now being discussed seriously. A national lottery could offer jackpots far larger than Powerball or Mega Millions.

Several states are also seriously considering the possibility of allowing players to purchase lottery tickets online. Most surveys show that most players would welcome the ability to purchase lottery tickets online. Players could buy online lottery tickets from a home computer or cell phone or blackberry. Players could also check current results and winners could automatically be notified by email. The technology is already in place and states that want to boost lottery revenue would be wise to take their lotteries online.