$1.5 Billion Powerball Jackpot Attracted 10 Million New Players, Study Claims
Published September 3, 2016 by Arthur M
Back in January, the US Powerball jackpot rose to a record breaking $1.5 billion, and according to research company Ledger, attracted an additional 10 million new players.
According to the market research company Ledger, the huge $1.5 billion US Powerball lottery jackpot that was seen in January 2016, created an extra 10 million ticket sales over what would normally be expected. Based in Canada, Ledger has over 600 employees and is part of the WIN network in around 100 countries.
This record-breaking jackpot gained huge media attention and massive public interest, translating into the historically high boost in ticket sales across the USA and also around the world through online services such as The Lotter, Play Huge Lottos and Play USA Lotteries.
Statistical Evidence
Ledger have released an interesting set of statistics regarding the huge jackpot and its effect on the public. Based on their surveys, 88% of all adults in the USA were aware of the $1.5 billion lottery, with higher levels of awareness across the Midwest and Northeast and with older citizens. This came as no surprise, as lotteries have traditionally been more popular in these areas and with this age group.
Some 75% of people heard about the jackpot via the TV news, particularly once it rolled past the $300 million level. Recent studies have shown how much ticket sales increase by when jackpots pass $100 and $200 million, but $300 million is the point at which interest really gets a boost.
With this draw however, the jackpot had to pass $500 million before the extra 10 million people bought their tickets, with females making up the majority of additional players.
A bonus for the operators of the Powerball is that some 10% of Americans say that they intend to play more often, with those in higher income households making up a bigger proportion of these.
The Online Ticket Effect
It wasn't just in the USA that interest peaked, as it became big news across the world, and online ticket services also saw an increase in the number of people entering the draw. Through these, winners can have their prize sent directly to their bank accounts, while major jackpots can even be collected in person.
