How quickly things can change. I recall writing something a few months ago about how Washington was being blackballed by Powerball. Now, it appears Powerball and Mega Millions states have a deal to sell both games’ tickets in all participating states.

MEGA MILLIONS AND POWERBALL AGREE TO TICKET-SELLING PARTNERSHIP

DETAILS TO BE WORKED OUT AMONG MORE THAN 40 STATES

OLYMPIA— They are the two “marquee games” in American lotteries: Mega Millions and Powerball. Each lottery state currently has one, but not the other. However, the Mega Millions consortium and Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) have reached an agreement in principle to cross-sell Mega Millions and Powerball in all U.S. lottery jurisdictions.

The decision is an agreement in principal. Details need to be worked out to ensure the final agreement works for both Powerball and Mega Millions states. No firm date has been set for implementation, although it is hoped that it could be in early 2010. The agreement means that lotteries from across the United States, including Washington State and the U.S. Virgin Islands, will be able to choose to offer their lottery players both jackpot games via their respective retailers. Washington State currently offers Mega Millions.

Washington is one of three Mega Millions states that required legislation to sell both games. The 2009 Legislature granted Washington’s Lottery the ability to offer the multi-state draw game Powerball following final passage of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6108.

States that currently sell Powerball and other lottery products will have the opportunity to begin offering Mega Millions tickets to their players via authorized lottery retailers. As a result of this agreement, Mega Millions states will then be able to offer the Powerball game to complement their existing game mix.

Mega Millions is currently played in 12 states with a population of 160 million. Powerball is currently available from 33 jurisdictions (31 states plus the District of Columbia and Virgin Islands) with 125 million in population.

“We are pleased that a majority vote among Mega Millions and Powerball states has been reached,” said Washington’s Lottery Director Chris Liu.

Powerball is estimated to generate around $30 million in sales annually after the game has been established in Washington State for several years.

WASHINGTON’S LOTTERY: Since 1982, Washington’s Lottery has generated more than $2.5 billion to important state programs, including education construction, stadium debt reduction, economic development and problem gambling prevention and treatment. In FY ’09 Washington’s Lottery contributed more than $115 million to state programs. Washington’s Lottery is deeply committed to making sure every Lottery dollar counts when it comes to supporting vital state programs. Washington’s Lottery offers consumers several types of games: Mega Millions, Lotto, Hit 5, Match 4, The Daily Game, Daily Keno, and Scratch. For more information, visit www.walottery.com.