Powerball now available in Illinois

By Kristi Eaton
Illinois Statehouse News

Illinois is again looking to the lottery to pump millions of dollars into the beleaguered state budget. Powerball is now available in Illinois. Starting today, you'll be able to purchase tickets for both Powerball and Mega Millions.

“Here in Illinois, we are estimating an additional $54 million annually in net proceeds from the sale of this game to benefit Illinois,” said acting Illinois Lottery superintendent Jodie Winnett in a statement. “Plus, retailers will have the potential for even more sales commissions.”

That potential is one reason Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, thinks the addition of Powerball is a good move for the state.

“Oftentimes people will buy their lottery tickets at a convenience store or a grocery store or a pharmacy, and better to have them do that in Illinois because, perhaps, they’ll purchase other things while there,” he said.

Although the money may bring in profit for stores, Lang said he doesn’t think it’ll solve the state’s budget problems.

“I don’t think it’s going to be incredibly lucrative,” Lang said. “That would be my guess. Some may disagree. But I do think it will be helpful.”

Anita Bedell says the state shouldn’t expect a windfall from power ball. She says history has shown the lottery is a bad gamble, for players and governments.

“It promises more than it delivers,” said Bedell, executive director of Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems. “When you’re talking about Powerball, the lottery will get even less money that they do from selling Illinois lottery tickets, so it’s a huge gamble for this state and promises more than it delivers.”

Bedell said the timing of powerball is interesting.

“Gov. Quinn, when he was the lieutenant governor, came out against a massive expansion of lottery by Gov. Blogojevich. He said he didn’t want an expansion.

Drawings for Powerball will be Wednesday and Saturday at 9:59 p.m., beginning Wed., Feb. 3, 2010, with a starting jackpot of $20 million.

Contact Kristi Easton at 217-960-1332. Illinois Statehouse News is a non-profit journalism organization committed to writing for the betterment of society.