Powerball and MegaMillions could merge

There are currently two multi-state lottery games in the US. Every single lottery state operates one of them but not the other but there could soon be a change to this as both the Powerball and MegaMillions could merge.

The operators of both lotteries have reached an agreement in principal to cross- sell tickets for both of these lotteries in all lottery participating states, meaning that all lotteries operating within the United State and US Virgin Islands, would be able to offer lottery players a choice of both jackpots games through their retailers.

There has been no date set for the introduction of this agreement yet, but officials hope that this will happen at the beginning of 2010.

Merging the Powerball and MegaMillions games, will not only add to the player excitement but obviously with more people able to buy lottery tickets for both, revenue for each will increase with players being able to play a mega-jackpot game four times a week instead of twice a week.

Of course, participating lottery states are not obliged to opt in to this agreement however, many will find themselves under pressure to do so because of the fear of losing revenue to a neighbouring state who does choose to opt in. For example, if one state currently offers the Powerball lottery and two neighbouring states currently offer MegaMillions, there will players from the two states offering the MegaMillions currently purchasing Powerball tickets from its neighbour. If the MegaMillions states choose to opt in to the new agreement and the Powerball state doesn’t. Then that Powerball state will lose its current revenue from its neighbouring states as these people will then buy lottery tickets in their home state. In all this is likely to be an agreement in which all states choose to take part in.   

Written by Chris Brown