Why have Pennsylvania lottery sales at physical locations continued during the coronavirus pandemic?

Pennsylvania Lottery

The Pennsylvania LotteryCourtesy image

Pennsylvania continues to sell lottery tickets, including ones for nationwide drawings like the Powerball and also state-run games like the Daily Number, along with scratch-offs, at physical locations during the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s led to a question from those concerned about people leaving their homes only to play, instead of for some other life-sustaining reason: Since online sales are possible, why are physical locations such as grocery stores and gas stations still selling tickets?

“Lottery tickets are actually sold in convenience stores and food stores, which are open,” Gov. Tom Wolf said Monday during a news conference.

“Also, the funds from the lottery go to support essential services for senior citizens and so, for both of those reasons, the lottery has remained open.”

In a March 20 interview with PennLive, a spokesperson said that traditional sales had ‘soften’ some due to residents deciding to stay home. The Lottery also reminded players that online purchasing is an option.

“We are also reminding Lottery players who contact us that they have the option to take advantage of playing our online games at pailottery.com,” Lottery press secretary Ewa Dworakowski said.

“This is another place where players can buy their Powerball® and Mega Millions® tickets without having to leave their homes.”

On Monday, Pennsylvania reported 12,980 confirmed coronavirus cases in the state as of 12:01 a.m., which has resulted in 162 deaths. Wolf’s statewide stay at home order continues until April 30, and it allows for only life-sustaining travel, such as a run to the grocery store, picking up a prescription at a pharmacy, or a trip to the hardware store.

For some, that also includes a stop for lottery tickets, and for now, that will continue to be an option at physical locations and online.

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