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Sep 9, 2003, 4:01 am (4 comments)
Mega Millions, Washington's foray into the world of multistate lottery gambling, has been a mega-disappointment.The state, one of 10 partners in the country's largest jackpot game, had about $51 million in sales during its first year of participation, which ended last week. That's less than half the $117 million originally projected.
Proceeds for education and school construction, originally predicted to be $32 million, turned out to be $13 million.
Lottery officials attribute the disappointing performance to the weak state economy and the difficulty of introducing the new game in direct competition with the state's Lotto Plus and other games.
"We have had challenges," lottery spokesman D. Eric Jones told The Olympian newspaper. "The game has not performed as we expected. People have been winning more often, and the jackpots have not been as high."
When lawmakers and Gov. Gary Locke approved the state's participation in Mega Millions, lottery officials assumed jackpots might average $80 million -- with an occasional eye-popping payoff. The record is $363 million. But average jackpots have been closer to $35 million, Jones said.
Lottery officials say they're examining their mix of games and may make changes to Lotto Plus or Quinto so the three main jackpot games are more distinct, Jones said.
AP
My suggestions:
1. Return Lotto to the traditional format (6 of xx, single drum);
2. Replace Quinto with a pick-5 all-NUMBER game;
3. dump "Lucky for Life" (same format as NJ's Lotzee, which will be gone this weekend).
Thanks for reminding me CO - I've got to play in the last historic drawing of Lotzee!
I think if megamillions went more here in washington state then more people would play this game, but considering that it went only once over here for the 90 mil, then i can understand why people just don't bother playing it. also I heard that lotto plus is getting rid of the gold ball, now thats a big plus!
Yea,,, people dont spend like they used to for a meager 35 million. of course if they had a couple more winners I'm sure it would have picked up steam.