Indiana Residents Can’t Get Enough Scratch-Off Lottery Tickets

Scratch-off lottery tickets have had an incredible year in Indiana.

During the first third of the state’s budget year, Hoosiers spent over $423 million.

The big sales numbers appear to be stable, as per the new data revealed at the State Lottery Commission's meeting on Nov. 17.

We were already aware of the robust sales earlier this year, but it’s reassuring to see that the numbers continue to remain strong this late in 2020.

Sales of scratch-off tickets in Indiana rose by 31% from July to October compared to the same period in 2019. This surge has generated millions of dollars in additional revenue for the state.

Hoosier Lottery is boosted by self-service kiosks.

The availability of the lotto significantly contributes to the growth of scratch-off sales.

Self-service machines have become ubiquitous across the state, facilitating gamblers to effortlessly purchase a ticket with a few dollars.

Many self-service machines are located within grocery stores and various retail outlets. Walmart is one company that has been actively incorporating these machines into its stores.

In addition to all the traditional places to purchase tickets, like gas stations, that’s on top.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also significantly increased scratch-off sales.

While every other sector of the gambling industry has suffered significant blows from the health crisis, scratch-offs have managed to flourish.

Earlier this year, Indiana’s casinos were closed for three months, and sports betting also suffered significantly due to the suspension of sports.

Scratch-offs remained as the primary gambling option in Indiana.

Even after the reopening of casinos, sales continue to be robust. As gamblers seek to sidestep large gatherings, lottery tickets have emerged as a preferable alternative to visiting a casino with new anti-COVID regulations.

However, not every type of lottery ticket has experienced that scratch-off growth.

Sales for Powerball and Mega Millions decrease

Sales for scratch-off games have been skyrocketing, while the big jackpot games have begun to decline.

Sales for the Powerball, Mega Millions, and Hoosier Lottery jackpots have significantly dropped this year.

The culprit? Frequent winners.

This year, gamblers have been hitting the jackpots more frequently.

Due to frequent winners, the jackpots haven’t had the opportunity to accumulate over time. These substantial cumulative jackpots are what attract casual players.

When the Powerball jackpot reaches an extraordinarily high figure, it makes headlines. These enormous jackpots attract individuals who don’t usually purchase lottery tickets.

Without the influx of new customers, sales have declined. Therefore, it’s likely only a matter of time before jackpots start accumulating again and sales revert to their usual levels.

The number of draw games in Indiana increases.

Sales for the Hoosier Lottery increased by $101 million from July to October, compared to the same period last year.

While scratch-offs have primarily driven sales, draw games have also played a significant role.

Sales for Indiana-based draw games such as the Daily 3, Daily 4, Superball, and Fastplay have increased by 14%.

Carrie Stroud, the Hoosier Lottery's chief of staff, has stated that the increased sales numbers are expected to persist into 2021.

“We observed an impressive fourth quarter in the fiscal year 2020, the momentum of which has carried over into fiscal year 2021. The results we’ve achieved so far in 2021 have left us extremely satisfied.”

The fiscal year of the lottery concludes at the end of June, hence, the Hoosier Lottery is currently in fiscal year 2021.

Indiana set a revenue record of $312 million in the last fiscal year. Judging by current trends, 2021 could also be a strong year for the Hoosier Lottery.

If the lottery’s pandemic boost declines, that could change. However, it’s difficult to forecast how the health crisis will transpire in the next few months.

The return of big jackpot games to normal sales could compensate for any shortfall.

It’s uncertain whether it will continue, but currently, Hoosiers are purchasing lottery tickets at an unprecedented rate.