Lottery players had the day of their lives last Sunday as the two national games, Powerball and Mega Millions started selling their lottery tickets in the same states. The action will likely increase revenues for money eager states and increase the size of the jackpot.

Critics say its a new attempt by the government to push an addictive product to people who can afford it, especially problem gamblers. Before the agreement by lottery owners in Oktober of 2009, Mega Millions and Powerball were sold separately in states. A lottery player could either buy a Mega Millions ticket in his/ her state or a Powerball ticket but never both, this caused many lottery players to take the gamble outside their own state and buy their lottery ticket across state lines.

Jodie Winnett, director of the Illinois Lottery said: “It’s going to be great for players who are looking for a dollar and a dream.” Of the 33 jurisdictions where Powerball is played, 32 now sell Mega Millions tickets and in 10 of the 12 states where Mega Millions has been played are now selling Powerball tickets also. By the end of the year, all 45 states that have lotteries in the US will have both Mega Millions and Powerball lotteries. Lottery directors are hoping the mix state lottery will create the first ever national lottery.