The Lotto Matrix: Multi-State Jackpots Swell, Texas Finally Has A (Relatively) Drama-Free Week

First things first

How much is Friday’s Mega Millions jackpot drawing worth? More than a few dozens of dollars at an estimated $277 million, with a cash option of $129.5 million. There have been 15 rollovers since a $113 million jackpot was hit in Arizona on Jan. 17.

The good news was there were two Match 5 multiplier winners as tickets sold in California and Virginia provided $3 million payouts thanks to the 3x Megaplier for drawings held last Friday and Tuesday. There was also a $1 million winner in Washington last Friday for a ticket that matched all five numbers.

How much is Saturday’s Powerball jackpot drawing worth? A whopper-sized amount at an estimated $378 million, or a cash option of $177.5 million. There have been 23 consecutive drawings lacking a grand prize winner after no one hit the jackpot Saturday, Monday, or Wednesday evenings.

There were three $1 million non-jackpot prizes awarded as tickets purchased in Texas, Colorado, and West Virginia matched all five non-Power Ball numbers drawn.

The latest in Texas

This week’s installment of “As the Texas Lottery Turns” is relatively low-key, but there was still some notable events for both the Texas Lottery Commission and state legislature.

TLC Executive Director Ryan Mindell appeared before the House Committee on Licensing & Advertising Procedures on Tuesday and said the agency has opened multiple investigations against known retailers associated with lotto couriers. According to KXAN, a lottery spokesman told Nexstar the agency issued “show compliance” letters to eight retailers.

“As seven of the enforcement cases remain open and pending, we are unable to comment further or provide any additional details on those at this time,” the spokesperson said in an email.

On the legislative front, the Texas Coalition of Lotto Couriers announced their support of SB 1346, which would ban bulk sales of Texas Lottery tickets to those attempting to purchase all winning tickets. The optics of publicly backing the bill create an odd juxtaposition considering the Senate unanimously passed a bill would ban lotto courier services and lotto apps last month.

Scratching an itch in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Lottery is advocating an item from Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget that calls for the removal of the agency’s requirement to make at least a 20% profit from traditional games sales.

The state agency says removing that requirement would allow it to offer scratch-off tickets with a higher price point, ones it claims are increasingly popular with the playing public according to an article in the Trib Live. The Pennsylvania Lottery currently has eight scratch-off games with a value of $30 or higher, including three of $50.

Ewa Swope, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Lottery, told Trib Live, “Although it may seem counterintuitive, this artificial profit percentage mandate actually constrains the Lottery’s ability to generate profit — and, therefore, more money for senior programs.”

The profit margin was originally set at 30% and lowered to its current level in 2019. The most recent extension for a 20% margin came in 2022. Should it be allowed to expire in 2029, the margin would revert to 25%.

Minnesota Lottery sends out an RFP

The Minnesota Lottery released a Request for Proposal (RFP) on Monday looking for a vendor who will have the ability to expand into online sales.

In the introduction to the 230-page RFP, the state agency noted it is “reevaluating every aspect of its operations and its relationship with its system vendor.” The contract, which takes effect from the signing date is for seven years, and the Minnesota Lottery has the option to offer three 1-year extensions or one 3-year extension to the winning vendor.

“This RFP is asking for player-centric flexibility, with an expanded baseline offering that includes a mobile application, a robust vending and self-service package, and a complete digital solution that includes the ability to sell draw-based games via digital channels from day one.”

The process starts in earnest next week with a Monday deadline for “Bidder Expression of Interest.” The deadline for submitting proposals is July 7, with the notification of the successful bidder coming in mid-November.

PowerPick now pooling Arizona scratch-offs

PowerPick Players Club announced Wednesday it has expanded its pool offerings to include scratch-offs in Arizona. Previously, PowerPick had offered pool services for Powerball, Mega millions, Fantasy 5 and The Pick. Each pool has a maximum of 10 players.

“Lottery Pools provide players with more chances of winning than any other way of playing – It’s simply the smartest, most entertaining and least expensive way of playing,” said Andrew Amada, of PowerPick, Inc. “Those who pool see more winning tickets than any other way of playing. Traditional purchases, with only one or two tickets are very unsatisfying to most players because they see no winners drawing after drawing after drawing. That rarely happens with lottery pools due to the volume of tickets in each pool.”

PowerPick does not sell tickets, but rather offers a pooling service to players throughout the state. Players can join a pool through PowerPick’s website or at its retail location in Phoenix.

Newsworthy nuggets

Mega Millions reminder: Mega Millions is allowing advance purchases only through drawings conducted before April 4 ahead of its price change from $2 to $5 that will take effect next month.

New York closer to letting lottery winners be anonymous: The New York Senate passed S 2613 sponsored by Sen. Joe Addabbo that would allow lottery winners to be anonymous if they so choose. There is a companion bill (A 6555) in the lower chamber sponsored by Assemblywoman Carrie Worner currently in the Ways and Means Committee.

Well, at least now he can enjoy his next round: The Michigan Lottery reported a Wayne County man won a record $677,141 prize playing Club Keno the Jack after matching nine numbers drawn March 2. The man, who chose to remain anonymous, purchased the ticket at JP’s Trolley Stop in Taylor.

“I don’t usually play The Jack, but when I saw how high it had gotten I decided I better give it a shot, “ the 54-year-old player told lottery officials. “When I checked the ticket on my phone and saw I won, I immediately left the bar. It was overwhelming and emotional to win such a huge amount of money!”

The man said he will use his winnings for a vacation and home improvements before investing the balance.

THE HOOSIER LOTTO DROUGHT IS OVER!!! After more than 15 months without anyone matching six of 46 numbers to the twice-weekly drawing held in the Hoosier State, the Indiana Lottery reported Thursday that one winning ticket was sold for Saturday’s $42.5 million drawing at On the Fly in Tell City, which is located on the border next to Kentucky.

It was the first time the jackpot prize was won since someone in Speedway purchased a winning ticket for a $44 million drawing Dec. 6, 2023. Saturday’s jackpot was the fourth-largest in state history and fifth with a prize of more than $40 million.

Until next week, dream big, check your numbers, and play responsibly!