SHOPPERS that like to test their luck on the Powerball and Mega Millions will no longer have to head to two kiosks when buying their tickets thanks to a new policy.
Gamblers will be able to pick up their tickets when paying for their groceries.
Lottery players can buy their tickets when purchasing groceries at certain stores (stock)AP Shoppers do not have to walk to two kiosksGettyThis means that they will not be forced into making another trip, potentially waiting in long lines.
But, there are a set of restrictions that will impact gamblers.
Shoppers will only be able to buy quick pick Powerball or Mega Millions tickets.
Quick picks are the equivalent of a lucky dip, which means numbers are randomly selected.
The initiative has been rolled out at Fareway stores across Iowa and has been welcomed by top officials.
“We are excited to partner with the Iowa Lottery to be the first retailer in the state to provide customers with the convenience of Easy Play,” Mike McCormick, the chief retail officer, told The Corridor Business Journal.
“At Fareway, the customer experience is a top priority and adding Easy Play will elevate that experience for our lottery playing customers.”
The initiative allows lottery tickets and groceries to be bought together.
But, officials have recommended players who buy their groceries with a credit card to use a debit card or cash when purchasing their lottery tickets, per The Des Moines Register.
Shoppers who want to choose their own numbers must go to a designated desk.
Players who buy their tickets at the checkout cannot opt into the Power Play multiplier.
Mega Millions players, in particular, will have noticed a sweeping set of changes that have happened recently.
The price of a Mega Millions lottery ticket is now $5.
Previously, a slip used to cost just $2.
Top lottery winners in the US
Millions dream of winning the lottery and finding fame and fortune. These are the biggest winners in US lottery history.
Edwin Castro – $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 8, 2022, in California. Theodorus Struyck – $1.765 billion, Powerball, Oct. 11, 2023, in California. Unknown winner – $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, Aug. 8, 2023, in Florida. Marvin and Mae Acosta from Los Angeles, California, John and Lisa Robinson from Munford, Tennessee, and Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt from Melbourne Beach, Florida – $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016. Unknown winner – $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018, from South Carolina. Unknown winner – he sued the mother of his child to keep his identity hidden – $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2023, from Maine. Unknown winner – $1.337 billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022, from Illinois. Cheng and Duanpen Saephan, and Laiza Liem Chao – $1.326 billion, Powerball, April 7, 2024, from Oregon. Rosemary Casarotti – $1.22 billion, Mega Millions, December 27 2024, from California Unknown winner – $1.13 billion, Mega Millions, March 26, from New JerseyThe price hike has proved controversial and workers at gas stations have explained its impact.
“They come in to buy their tickets, and I charge them the little extra, and they’re like, ‘What? Why is it that?’ and I have to let them know that the Mega Millions went up to $5 a ticket,” Amanda Figuera, who works at an Amaco gas station in Milwaukee, told the NBC affiliate WTMJ-TV.
And, some players have been less than impressed with the hike.
“It’s crazy, I don’t understand it,” lotto player Joann Krebs told the CBS affiliate WHNT-TV.
Michael Broiles used to regularly play the lottery before the hike came into force.
But, he refused to buy a ticket for the first draw since the price rise.
The price rise came into force on April 5 ahead of the draw on April 8.
MEGA MILLIONS CHANGES
But, there is now a built-in multiplier, meaning players who win non-jackpot prizes will see a boost.
Mega Millions chiefs revealed on Tuesday night players won $3.4 million more than they would’ve done under the previous format.
Gamblers also have better odds of winning the jackpot.
Previously, players would have to defy odds of one in around 302.5 million to win the top prize.
Now, the chances of winning the prize pot are one in 290.4 million.
The new Mega Millions format also has a larger starting jackpot.
Under the old structure, the prize pot would reset to $20 million after it had been won.
Now, it will revert to $50 million.
The next draw takes place on Friday and the prize pot stands at $72 million.
Fareway StoresThe change was rolled out at Fareway stores across Iowa[/caption] Read More Details
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