Lottery ticket sales increase as jackpots grow

By CHARITY SMITH

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Ironwood - Ticket sales are up for the Powerball and Mega Millions multi-state lotteries as jackpots for both have steadily increased as there has been no winner for either twice-a-week drawing for months

Lottery officials estimate the Powerball jackpot to be $730 million and the Mega Millions jackpot at $850 million.

Judith Gallagher, a clerk at the Holiday Station Store in Ironwood, said they've seen a uptick in ticket sales.

"I've sold an abundance of them," she told the Daily Globe Sunday. "I sold $20 of each Powerball and Mega Millions just about two hours ago to one gentleman; and I've been doing a lot of just $10, $10 for Power and Mega. So, it's definitely a big thing right now."

Gallagher said when the jackpots are higher she sees a lot more "intense buying" of lottery tickets, figuring they're hoping to win big.

Marc Jivery, who purchased a Powerball ticket on Sunday, said he hoped it was the big winner.

"They're going to start selling quick," said Matt Anderson, who works with Gallagher at the Holiday Station Store, adding sales will increase as the drawing gets closer.

If someone were to win the Mega Millions on Tuesday it would be the third-largest jackpot ever, according to lottery officials. A Powerball winner on Wednesday would take home the fifth-largest jackpot ever in the United States.

The jackpots have not gotten this large in nearly two years. The jackpot amount listed refers to the amount given if paid out over 30 years. However winners typically opt for a one-time lump sum payment which would amount to a $546 million cash prize for the Powerball and $628 million cash prize for the Mega Millions, according to the Associated Press.

Both lottery games are played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball also is offered in Puerto Rico.

The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338. Odds for the Mega Millions' top prize are 1 in 302,575,350.