Despite a pandemic, many Idaho residents are apparently still feeling lucky.
Idaho Lottery Director Jeff Anderson said Tuesday that ticket sales were down only about 5% last week, and that somebody snagged $250,000 in one the agency's games.
Buying a lottery ticket "does bring some sense of normalcy for folks, because things aren't normal now for a lot of people," Anderson said.
Anderson also directs the Idaho State Liquor Division. He said some panic buying at state-operated liquor stores occurred in March, but that's settled down since it became clear the stores will remain open.
The Idaho Lottery makes dividend payments that go to schools as well as construction and maintenance of state buildings. Anderson told lawmakers on the Legislature's budget committee earlier this year that he expected the lottery to bring in about $57 million this fiscal year.
Even with the stay-at-home order, Anderson said it looks like the lottery will have a $52 to $55 million dividend.
Advertising is needed to help sell lottery tickets, Anderson said, but the message has changed to emphasize that the money helps schools and maintenance of state buildings.
"We're trying to be respectful and sensitive to the situation we are in as a country," he said. "It's kind of obtuse to say, 'Hey, let's go play the lottery!'"
The Idaho Lottery office is closed to the public because of the virus, so winners have to mail in their winning tickets or drop them off in a slot at the office to have a check mailed to them.
The Idaho State Liquor Division operates 66 stores.
"There was a larger than normal business for several days," Anderson said of sales in March, likening it to panic buying at grocery stores. "There were some isolated out-of-stocks, but the stores are prepared."
The liquor division has had no coronavirus cases so far, he said. Early on, liquor stores limited the number of patrons in stores, installed sneeze guards to protect workers and enhanced sanitizing practices. He also said it's OK for workers to wear face coverings if they choose.
Booze must be the answer. All states should sell lottery tickets in state owned liquor stores. Just being fascetious.
Brad Duke, a major Power Ball winner gives Idahoans hope. "He won so why can't I do the same thing."
I wonder how far along has Brad reached toward his life time goal of $1 billion.
Good question Music. That is where I would like to see The Lottery Changed my Life do some filming, where are they now and how have they done with their jackpots.
Music, l read online where he was interviewed by Katie Couric in 2013 where he said the total annuity for that PB win was $200Mil. He received $126mil of that in a check. After $40 mil in federal taxes etc, he ended up $86Mil. He said that since, he has accumulated nearly $100mil.** Source: thelottolife.com
Crazy article in that piece about " Avoid these 10 crazy ways to fill out your lottery tickets when you play." It's hilarious.
* Brad is still aways off, but still doing better than most. Some jackpot winners are penniless by now.
First time hearing about this guy - so wait - he won the PB and is spending money trying to win it again?
Brad was or is not open about " how" he intends or intended to go from being a millionaire to becoming a Billionaire Kenny. He won and then mentioned he's intended goal. You can as they say " Read all about it" online. He also wanted to help the less fortunate,how that is coming along is anyone's guess. I do know that he loved cycling, even going so far as to own a store before or after he's win. As for wanting to win the jackpot again, who doesn't?
For sure - I would just hope he is not dumping millions into more tickets
l think he's pretty savvy with he's money Kenny. Doubt you ever going to see a piece " How Brad went from being a millionaire to living in his car under a bridge."
** Who said there is " no upside" to this virus? Just think: When we win, we can show up in a hat, Jack Nicholson shades, a surgical mask, gloves, A bandanna that covers up your " turkey neck" if you have one and claim your prize without fear of anyone making you out. You can always say " That Jeff Smith is NOT me."
*Only now while the virus persists- Only in America.
I would think he would stay away from the bridges with what he has
- its just sad to read about so many jackpot winners going from everything to nothing in a short amount of time. Its crazy how often it happens.
I would hope he stays above board no problem.
Good luck with anything you got going tonight.
Thanks for the good luck. I could use it Kenny. I think l would take my own advice and show up all dressed up in a surgical outfit, the mask, the gloves, the works. To complement the outfit, will be wearing a pair of Oakley Men's Carbon Fiber Radarlock Path * Asia Fit wraparound glasses. I would go full ninja this one time. The California lottery likes playing hardball with it's winners, well so can l.
I seriously doubt that the wife would recognize me, whether she squinted or not.
Hahaha
Have you seen pictures of those guys who win the lotto in Japan?
They wear full cartoon character costumes to hide their identity -
You wont be far off
Just curious - any specific instances the good old republic played hardball with its winners?
Thats great the idaho lottery hasn't seen too much of a drop in sales. Im on their email list and last month they sent one asking folks from out of state to not travel to idaho to buy lottery tickets as they are not essential.
Playing hardball? Yeah!
While other States pay jackpot prizes out in 5-10 banking days* Lotterycritic- The Old republic wants you to wait 6-8 weeks for your check. How is it possible for other States to fasttrack your money, while CA goes into tortoise mode once you win?
What takes 8 weeks to send a check?
You would think with all that money CA has it wouldn't be hard to stamp an envelope and send you a piece of paper.
I just looked at the CA Lotto website - you like you state line up for games?
Nice you got that Super Lotto state game with the 25 mil - our state jackpot game just got reset and its not growing because no one is buying