March 28, 2024

New lottery game suspended after low tickets sales

DES MOINES (AP) — A new multi-state lottery game aimed at doling out more $1 million prizes is being suspended after just two months because of lower-than-expected ticket sales, officials announced Monday.

The Monopoly Millionaires’ Club game was suspended indefinitely after state lottery officials decided ticket sales were below industry expectations, said Terry Rich, president of the North American Lottery Group and CEO of the Iowa Lottery. The game’s future was also put into question after the Texas Lottery announced on Thursday that it was suspending ticket sales.

“We have a small dedicated group of players who really enjoy the game,” Rich said. “The dilemma is that’s a small dedicated group. It just didn’t meet the sales expectations.”

Rich did not elaborate on how much money the $5 ticket game has been bringing in since its October launch in 23 states. He also did not release information about initial expectations for ticket sales.

Rebecca Hargrove, chairwoman of Monopoly Millionaires’ Club and president and CEO of the Tennessee Lottery, said officials want to learn from the game, which was aimed at players who have asked for prize money to be split between more people.

“Every project gives you the chance to experience and grow,” she said in a statement. “As with any other consumer good, our goal is always to provide a game that players want.”