Adversity, including a loss of income, sometimes leads people to buy lottery tickets.
That’s apparently what happened in Wisconsin during the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic, as many residents lost their jobs, had their hours cut and worried about paying their bills.
Lottery sales from April to June increased significantly, with sales of $274.2 million, a hefty year-on-year increase. Sales fell 19 percent in March, but rose the same percentage in April. Sales rose 21.1 percent in May and 36.8 percent in June. By comparison, lottery sales declined 4 percent during the Great Recession of 2007-09.
Wisconsin Lottery tickets aren’t available online. But Cindy Polzin, director of the Department of Revenue Lottery Division, commented, “Since lottery tickets are sold in two of the retail channels that remained open throughout the pandemic—convenience and grocery stores—our products remained in front of customers. Lottery players likely see scratch tickets as an entertainment option and a little break from the day that they can safely enjoy at home.”
