New York Lotto slips are displayed on a rack along with Mega Millions and Powerball slips at the Lasting Impression shop at the Empire State Plaza on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. New Yorks venerable twice-weekly Lotto drawing continues its long-term decline in an age of multi-state mega jackpots. Even as overall lottery revenues grew, receipts from Lotto dropped from $137.5 million in 2005 to a projected $44 million for the state fiscal year ending March 31. (AP Photo)
Starting on April 4 the deadline for Mega Millions ticket purchases in New York State on the day of drawings will move up nearly an hour to 10 p.m. Currently, tickets for the same day’s draw can be bought until 10:45 p.m. The drawings are held at 11 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.
According to lotto officials, the earlier close allows more time for the New York Lottery to conduct closing procedures for each Mega Millions draw.
(AP Photo)