Buying Powerball and Mega Millions tickets in Iowa just got easier. Thanks to a new policy, shoppers at Fareway stores can now purchase lottery tickets directly at checkout, eliminating the need to visit a separate kiosk.
This new service, called Easy Play, allows customers to buy quick pick tickets for Powerball and Mega Millions while paying for their groceries. Quick picks generate random numbers, similar to a lucky dip. However, players who want to choose their own numbers must still go to a designated lottery counter.
The initiative is a partnership between Fareway and the Iowa Lottery and has been praised for its convenience.
“We are excited to partner with the Iowa Lottery to be the first retailer in the state to provide customers with the convenience of Easy Play,” said Mike McCormick, Fareway’s chief retail officer. “At Fareway, the customer experience is a top priority and adding Easy Play will elevate that experience for our lottery-playing customers.”
Shoppers using a credit card for groceries are encouraged to switch to debit or cash for their lottery purchases, as recommended by officials.
There are some limitations to the service. Tickets purchased at checkout cannot include add-ons like the Power Play multiplier. Only standard quick pick tickets are available at these registers.
Meanwhile, changes to the Mega Millions game have stirred reactions from regular players. As of April 5, the price for a single ticket increased from $2 to $5. The adjustment includes a built-in multiplier feature that boosts non-jackpot winnings.
According to Mega Millions officials, players won $3.4 million more in Tuesday night’s draw under the new format compared to the old one. The changes also brought improved odds of winning the jackpot—now 1 in 290.4 million, compared to the previous odds of 1 in 302.5 million. Additionally, the starting jackpot has increased from $20 million to $50 million.
Despite these improvements, some players expressed frustration over the higher cost.
“It’s crazy, I don’t understand it,” said lottery player Joann Krebs. Others, like Michael Broiles, stopped playing after the price increase.The next Mega Millions drawing is set for Friday, with the jackpot currently at $72 million.
