Look for lottery jackpots to tumble due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The Powerball Product Group, which manages the popular game of the same name, announced last week that it will cut minimum jackpots in half, from $40 million to $20 million, after someone wins the current big prize.
According to the Associated Press, the jackpot also could grow more slowly, with minimum increases of $2 million instead of the normal $10 million after each twice-weekly drawing.
“Powerball players in many U.S. lottery jurisdictions are under shelter-in-place orders or recommendations from their governors or mayors, which have affected normal consumer behaviors,” said Gregory Mineo, director of the Maine Lottery and chairman of the Powerball Product Group. “Just like other enterprises around the world that are making adjustments, we are making proactive changes to continue to offer the world’s premier lottery product.”
The other national lottery game in the U.S., Mega Millions, is also considering cuts. “The Mega Millions Consortium has begun internal discussions about potential changes to address the slowdown in sales during the current health crisis,” said Gordon Medenica, who heads the Maryland lottery and is director of the national game.
Meanwhile, the current Powerball Lottery game was unclaimed last week and was expected to grow to $170 million.
Powerball and Mega Millions are played in 45 states plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball also is offered in Puerto Rico.
