Lottery frenzy generates business for local outlets

Convenience stores and gas stations all over Minnesota have been busy selling lottery tickets, with the Powerball Jackpot topping a record-breaking $1.5 billion as of noon Tuesday.
With Wednesday’s drawing looming, Luverne cashiers were selling tickets to nearly every customer that came through the door.
“Just about everyone who comes in buys one,” said Reva Green, cashier for Holiday Stationstore, Luverne. “We’ve sold three times more than what we normally do.”
According to Minnesota lottery officials, the Powerball jackpot has been growing since Nov. 7, 2015.
During the jackpot run, $30 million in sales has resulted in $6.7 million for Minnesota’s General Fund and $5.4 million to benefit Minnesota’s environment.
Minnesota players have won more than $3.7 million since the jackpot run began.
But the rapid lottery buildup in recent weeks prompted state lottery officials to issue a warning to play responsibly.
“Players should never spend more than they can afford on any lottery ticket,” was the message sent out Monday. “Please remember, it's just a game.”
Green said she hasn’t noticed irresponsible ticket buyers at her cash register. Most people, she said, buy only one or two tickets
“It’s just been fun,” she said. “People say things like, ‘I’ll take the winning ticket,’ or ‘I want the guaranteed winner.’ And I tell them, ‘If I have the winning ticket, I’m buying it myself.’”
She admits that she does buy lottery tickets — in moderation — but especially when the jackpot grows as large as it has this time.
But mostly, she said, anticipating lottery winnings is a way to brighten a cold January day.
“It’s fun to watch people’s faces when they talk about how they’d spend the money,” she said.
“They’re going to spend it on homeless shelters, feeding people, going on a vacation far away from here …”
Green said she gets hopeful for them, but she also hopes she ends up with the winning ticket.
“I would share it with the community,” she said. “I would give everyone in town some money. I know so many people who are struggling and it would be nice to say, ‘Here. Have some fun.’ … I think that would feel wonderful.”
From a business standpoint, Green said lottery sales have been good for Holiday in Luverne.
“If they come in and buy a ticket, they usually buy something else, like soda and chips.
Sales in Minnesota for the Saturday, Jan. 9, drawing topped $13.1 million, breaking the previous record of $10.8 million set on Nov. 28, 2012, for a $587 million jackpot.
Saturday’s drawing produced 263,866 winning tickets in Minnesota, totaling $1.8 million in prizes, including one worth $150,000 and 10 worth $50,000.
The Star Herald went to press Tuesday afternoon, but Wednesday’s Powerball jackpot was estimated to grow past $1.5 billion, with the estimated cash option at more than $868 million.
According to state officials, lottery players have won more than $6.3 billion since the Lottery began.
They say all Minnesotans are winners because $2.5 billion in proceeds have helped preserve, restore and protect Minnesota's environment in each of Minnesota's 87 counties.
Lottery proceeds also help fund state programs including education, public safety, and health and human services.