Boise – There are 275 million reasons for players to stop and pick up a Powerball ticket for this Saturday’s draw. And as Idaho Lottery retailers gear up to handle increased traffic in their stores, the Idaho Lottery is encouraging all its players to play responsibly this weekend when buying their Powerball tickets.
“There has been a lot of enthusiasm surrounding this weekend’s draw,” explained Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director. “We are encouraging players to share in the excitement of winning big, but to play responsibly. Some players may be tempted to spend more than they can afford. That’s not a good bet.”
This Saturday’s Powerball jackpot ranks as the 7th largest in Powerball history. During this run, there have been 120, $200,000 or higher winners nationwide. Idaho has been fortunate enough to land 8 of those winning tickets since the middle of January including a $200,000 winner in Emmett and $600,000 winner from Nampa last week.
On strength of the recent big winners’ success, some Idaho retailers are doing a booming business for Powerball sales as the weekend draws near. Maverik Store #273 on Karcher Road in Nampa, the location where Pam Schoppe won $200,000 on February 26 and fortune cookie winners John Garcia and Eddie Dietrich won their $600,000 last week, has actually surpassed the legendary Jacksons Store #10 on Orchard at 1-84 where Brad Duke and Pam Hiatt won their jackpots for the hottest place to buy Lottery tickets in the Treasure Valley.
Most stores in the Treasure Valley are seeing increased foot traffic, including many Lottery retail locations in Meridian as players flock to purchase their Powerball tickets and try some of the more popular scratch games like American Idol and Blue Line Bonus Cashword.
“We’re expecting things to get a little crazy on Saturday with people wanting their Powerball tickets,” described Steve Eddy, owner of Fast Eddy’s located at 770 W Ustick in Meridian as his store gears up for the weekend. Eddy’s clerks post jackpot alert signs in the stores and wear jackpot alert stickers on their shirts. “It all adds to the excitement of the big jackpot.”
“Go ahead and dream about winning the jackpot. But remember the odds of winning the grand prize are always a long shot, so play, but play responsibly, that’s the best bet,” added Anderson. “Spend what you can afford, don’t go overboard.”
