BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Lottery took to Facebook Wednesday after lawmakers killed legislation that would have allowed Powerball to be played in the state.
"Today, the Idaho House State Affairs Committee held a bill in committee that would have allowed Idahoans to continue to play the Powerball game," Idaho Lottery wrote. "Work continues with the Legislature to determine an alternative path forward to ensure no disruption in service to Idaho's single most popular lottery game, for the benefit of Idaho's public schools and buildings."
Lawmakers reportedly killed the legislation due to fear of foreign participation in the Powerball game as the lottery expands to include Australia in 2021 and Britain in 2022.
"At this time, Powerball remains an available game for sale in Idaho," Idaho Lottery explained.
In fact, two winning tickets were found in Idaho on Wednesday, both were one number away from the $155 million jackpot — each worth $50,000. The winning Powerball tickets were sold in Twin Falls County and Franklin County.
"Powerball is the single most recognized brand for the Idaho Lottery and we remain one of the luckiest jurisdictions in the country for winning," said Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director. "We encourage everyone who played Powerball last night to check their tickets carefully for winners and sign their tickets before presenting them for payment."
In addition to the two large winning tickets, there were 4,190 other winning tickets worth over $30,000 in prizes from last night's draw. With no jackpot winner, the estimated Powerball Jackpot for Saturday is $169 million.
Powerball as a stand-alone game contributes an average of $14 million in dividend revenue for the state's public schools and buildings each year, according to Idaho Lottery.
The state's last Powerball drawing will be in August.
And let the backpedaling commence . . .
Yeah, when their wallets are affected, suddenly this nonsense is off the table.
Let's hope they do not change the matrix to 'match' those of other countries...like having seven #'s and all kinds of nonsense. If this happens, may kiss this one goodbye regardless of jackpot size.
As for folks saying they'll write their Congress and Senators good luck with that. Just one party for Covid-19 relief for example. You must consider this is not anti-trust and many, many corporations here have other countries producing the same product. For example Pfizer, it has plants/research labs in Europe in place. Perhaps Powerball will headquarter outside the USA for tax purposes? It could happen.
Those who support an international lottery are blinded by the remote prospect of winning a huge windfall. I understand the Idahoan legislature’s concerns and decision. As if we Americans don’t pay enough in foreign aid! More of our tax money don’t need to go overseas. The ID Lottery needs to sign up for MegaMillions!
Wait a dog gone minute...lotteries are voluntary taxes, no one forces purchasing tickets.
Idaho is already participating in Megamillions.
Puerto Rico should join Mega millions and that's my two cents worth.