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"Most lotteries are down-- it's a tough economic climate," Minnesota State Lottery Marketing and Sales Director John Mellein said.
Economic hardship has lead to most states experiencing a sharp decline in lottery sales, Mellein said. But Minnesota's numbers are still up.
"The lottery purchase is probably one of the last things they're cutting out, and they're still willing to spend dollar or two to have some of that entertainment value," Mellein said.
It is the entertainment value, yes. But also, the chance to strike it big. In the state, there are over 72,000 winners daily.
So why does Minnesota's lottery continue to do so well? Lotto player Chris Odoemenem said, the sheer possibilities keep people coming back.
"It's all to win big, definetly. Just think, a million bucks?! Everyone could use that right now," Odoemenem said.
"It would be nice to never work again and just live on a beach," said Andy Stroozas another Lottery customer.
According to Mellein, scratch-off games are carrying the states higher sales, up 25 percent this year, compared to last. Meanwhile online product sales, like Powerball and Hot Lotto have fallen 14 percent. Mellein said, there has been a slowing over the past few months, but overall sales are still up 10 percent
"There has been a softening. It's been gradual. Probably since October, we've seen that growth drop to about 10 percent. We were up at about 14 percent," Mellein said.
But the state's lottery will not escape the economy's setbacks. Mellein said they will take $1 million out of their operating expenses and put it back into the state's funds to help offset the defecit.
Even still, the lottery will go on.
"We think we've got a good product mix to withstand whatever the economy throws at us," Mellein said.
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