News Summary
Lawmakers and lottery industry representatives met to discuss Louisiana’s iLottery program, projecting over $150 million in revenue over the next five years. Concerns were raised about its impact on local store sales. Plans for a formal study in 2026 are underway to evaluate effects on public services and retail health. Recent wins, including a $1 million Mega Millions prize, highlight the significance of local lottery participation.
Baton Rouge – Lawmakers and lottery industry representatives convened at the Capitol on Wednesday to discuss the iLottery program, which allows individuals to purchase lottery tickets and scratch-offs via their phones. The Louisiana Lottery Corporation expects that online lottery sales could generate over $150 million in revenue over the next five years. This projected revenue is significant, as it could greatly enhance the nearly $5 billion distributed from lottery revenue to public schools since 2004, according to Louisiana Lottery President and CEO Rose Hudson.
However, some committee members raised concerns regarding the potential impact of iLottery tickets on brick-and-mortar store sales. State Representative Alonzo Knox highlighted the importance of lottery sales for local convenience stores, emphasizing that the introduction of online sales might negatively affect the foot traffic and employment at these establishments.
With plans to address the implications of the iLottery further, state leaders intend to present a formal study during the 2026 legislative session. This examination will likely explore how online lottery sales could impact both revenue generation for public services and the economic health of physical retail locations.
Recent Lottery Wins
The iLottery conversations coincided with a significant win in the Mega Millions game. A Baton Rouge woman recently claimed a $1 million prize after matching five of the six numbers in the drawing held on December 17. The winning ticket was purchased from Town South Food Mart located on Starring Lane, and the winner will receive a net amount of $717,507 after tax withholdings.
The numbers drawn in the December 17 Mega Millions drawing were 55, 66, 67, 68, 69, with the Mega Ball being 18. The Town South Food Mart will also benefit from a $10,000 selling bonus for the ticket that led to the win, demonstrating how participation in the lottery can provide additional financial support to retailers.
Other Notable Mega Millions Winners
In addition to the recent Baton Rouge winner, two other notable Mega Millions tickets were sold in Louisiana. A $1 million ticket was sold at Circle K in Shreveport on September 24, and a $3 million ticket was purchased at One Stop Convenience in Baldwin on November 26. The Mega Millions jackpot has recently swelled to an estimated $1 billion ahead of an upcoming drawing, marking it as the seventh largest jackpot in the history of the game.
Lottery Participation Guidelines
Lottery officials remind the public that participants must be at least 21 years old to purchase lottery tickets. Furthermore, draw-style game tickets must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing to be eligible for a cash payout. A ticket sold in Baton Rouge for an upcoming Mega Millions drawing features a top prize of an estimated $166 million, with a cash option available for $75.2 million.
The updated Mega Millions game format now includes a $5 ticket price and a new multiplier feature, which can enhance non-jackpot prize amounts. A recent ticket in Louisiana matched four out of five white balls and the Mega Ball, earning a prize of $20,000 thanks to the multiplier effect.
Current lottery offerings include the increasingly popular Mega Millions and Powerball, which currently boasts a top prize of $482 million. As lottery participation continues to grow, the landscape of ticket purchasing and sales remains a focal point for both lawmakers and retailers in Louisiana.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WAFB: $1 Million Mega Millions Prize Won in Baton Rouge
- 973 The Dawg: Mega Millions Mega Win Louisiana Lottery
- The Advocate: Lottery and Banana Ball Party Animals
- NOLA: Powerball Winning Numbers Louisiana Lottery
- 973 The Dawg: Powerball Winner Louisiana Lottery $167 Million
- Wikipedia: Lottery
- Google Search: Lottery News
- Google Scholar: Lottery Impact on Local Economy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lottery
- Google News: Lottery Updates
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
