Illinois convenience stores concerned about potential loss of Powerball and Mega Millions

Posted on June 21, 2017

Powerball tickets — If you’re looking to hit the Powerball or Mega Millions and ride off into the sunset, you’d better get your tickets bought before the end of the month because they could be leaving Illinois. (Photo by Justgrimes/flickr)

By RFD Radio/WMFB

SPRINGFIELD – Unless lawmakers and Gov. Bruce Rauner hammer out a budget agreement, it will take a drive out of state to buy tickets for those massive multi-state lottery jackpots in the Mega Millions and Powerball games.

Bill Fleischli, Executive Vice President of the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association and the Illinois Association of Convenience Stores said he is hopeful a budget deal can be struck by month’s end.

“It’s a service to our people, our customers,” Fleischli said. “When the Powerball or Mega Millions have an advertised giveway of a lot of money, it certainly helps business.”

The state reported nearly $100 million in Mega Millions sales and $208 million in Powerball sales last budget year.

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