Mega Millions and Powerball to start cross-selling tickets in next step to national lottery

Mega Millions, Powerball to cross-sell tickets

DES MOINES, Iowa — Dozens of states will begin selling both Mega Millions and Powerball tickets on Sunday, moving the U.S. a step closer to having a national lottery.

It will also make it easier for people who now cross state lines for a chance at the biggest jackpots.

By the time all the states sign on to the new system this spring, the nation’s two biggest lotteries will be sold in 43 states plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Powerball is played in 31 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Twenty-three of those places will sell tickets for Mega Millions beginning with the Tuesday drawing. Mega Millions is played in 12 states. Ten of them will sell tickets for Powerball starting with the Wednesday drawing.

The change is aimed at increasing sales.