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,” 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.
