The Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots both went unclaimed and are at a combined total of more than one billion dollars. Iowa Lottery spokeswoman, Mary Neubauer says it is just the second time that the jackpots have simultaneously topped the $500 million mark. "They both were last won in … [Read more...]
Transparent scratch ticket now offered by the Iowa Lottery
The Iowa Lottery has introduced a new scratch ticket that spokesperson, Mary Neubauer, says is unlike anything they've done before. "It's a scratch ticket -- but it is transparent, it's see-through, you can see through the ticket," Neubauer says."It's a concept that a few other lotteries around … [Read more...]
No winners since September, Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots both above $320 million
The jackpots for the Powerball and Mega Millions lottery drawings both exceed $300 million and Iowa Lottery spokesperson Mary Neubauer says that's a rarity. "Neither one of these jackpots are anywhere near a record because in the last couple of years the jackpots in both of these games have been … [Read more...]
Lottery looking at penalties for trying to avoid state debt collection from jackpots
The Iowa Lottery will propose some updates in state law to clear up what constitutes a winning ticket -- and to increase the penalty for those who try to hide their winnings to avoid state debt. Lottery Vice President, Mary Neubauer, says they want to clarify the language about winners. "The new … [Read more...]
Lottery sales continue ahead of projections
The head of the Iowa Lottery says sales continue to remain strong despite COVID restrictions in place in the state. CEO Matt Strawn gave a report to the Lottery Board during their meeting Tuesday. "Through the first four months or first third of fiscal year 2021 -- which comprises July through … [Read more...]
Monday is deadline for $100,000 unclaimed lottery ticket
An Iowa Lottery ticket with a six-figure prize will expire Monday unless the owner comes forward to collect. Iowa Lottery spokesperson Mary Neubauer says the Powerball ticket had four numbers and a multiplier that makes it worth $100,000. "We're never sure -- did someone only check the ticket … [Read more...]
Iowa Lottery sees uptick in sales in last two months
The Iowa Lottery reports sales have picked up in the new fiscal year which started in July. Lottery CEO Matt Strawn gave a report to the Lottery Board today. "Iowa Lottery sales are up over 20% compared to the first two months of FY 2020. Iowa Lottery sales are nearly 23% ahead of budget … [Read more...]
Iowa Lottery expected to hit budget goals, but not records
Iowa Lottery spokesperson, Mary Neubauer says they won't set another record for sales in the fiscal year that just ended June 30th. Neubauer says they won't match the $390.1 million record once all the numbers are totaled -- but they will meet some key marks. "In 2020 with COVID-19 and … [Read more...]
Coronavirus having an impact on lowa Lottery and games
The coronavirus pandemic is forcing some changes on lottery games and the way winning tickets are cashed in. Iowa Lottery spokesperson, Mary Neubauer, is getting the word out. "Clearly anything that is going on with the Iowa Lottery or with Powerball is just a very, very tiny slice of life these … [Read more...]
Increase in workforce leads to slight increase in October unemployment rate
The state unemployment rate inched up slightly in October as the workforce expanded. Iowa Workforce Development Deputy Director, Ryan West, says its a unique situation. "The rate for October did slightly go up from 2.5% to 2.6%. However, we also saw an increase of just over 9,000 more Iowans in … [Read more...]