Someone in New Jersey won the MegaMillions jackpot last night. It had slowly built to a reasonable figure over several weeks. The cash value was only around $99M, but even after paying taxes the result will be a comfortable lifestyle.

The starting values for MegaMillions and PowerBall were decreased back when the pandemic hit, as the already slow lottery sales became even slower.

Both lotteries got rid of their minimum increment for each new draw. So it has taken quite a bit longer for the jackpots to get to 9 figures.

Currently PowerBall has a decent jackpot, but it’s taken seven weeks to get there.

Locally, vendors have had a hard time keeping scratchers in stock, not because people are buying more but because the California Lottery’s own contractors aren’t delivering them as quickly. Apparently not only is Calotto closed to the public, their distributors are minimally staffed.

Gambing has taken a hit in the pandemic. Lottery sales are down. Las Vegas has seen it’s tourist industry greatly reduced. Sports betting has not happened because there are no sports.

What’s a gambler to do?