CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The Lotto Max jackpot stands at $70 million but good luck finding a ticket.
Many retailers in Alberta have shuttered their lotto stands to keep employees safe. Other stores are handing out the tickets but won’t take them back for redemption.
In a statement to 660 NEWS, Loblaw says while its Shoppers Drug Mart locations remain open, it won’t be selling lottery tickets because it’s considered non-essential.
“Changes like these help us control the number of people in our stores, reduce the amount of time people spend in contact with our team, and allow us to promote and practice better social distancing.”
Safeway and Sobeys has also suspended sales of lottery tickets.
According to Postmedia, the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) says lotto sales have decreased in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When it comes to large jackpots, such as the $70 million Lotto Max prize, the WCLC says lottery tickets tend to be an impulse buy for many and that isn’t happening much anymore.
The WCLC is also extending the expiry date on lottery tickets that would have expired between March 17 and September 17, 2020. Tickets that would have expired during this time will be valid for prize claims for an additional six months
