BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The clock is ticking on this legislative session, and with so much else demanding the attention of lawmakers, you have to wonder if there's enough time for supporters to get another shot at saving Powerball in Idaho.
"Current law does not allow Powerball to continue to be sold if foreign countries are involved, so I would encourage the legislature to change the law," said Charley Jones, co-owner of Stinker Stores.
Powerball is the longest-running lottery game in Idaho. Since 1992, it's brought in an average of $14 million a year for Idaho schools. But all that goes away this summer unless lawmakers are willing to take a second look.
The owners of Stinker Stores, a convenience chain in the Treasure Valley, spoke about what the Powerball's departure would mean. Ticket sales add to the profits of local convenience stations like Stinker Stores.
In fact just last week, a Meridian couple won $100,000 from the Powerball. Stories like that drive more people to buy tickets, and once the Powerball is gone, customers who play will miss it, according to store owners.
Although for Jones, the Powerball's departure wouldn't be the end of the world.
"It wouldn't help my bottom line, but I don't make enough off of the lottery to sustain my business," Jones said. "So the fact that we quit selling Powerball, which is one piece of the lottery, wouldn't force my business to close."
Still, nothing is set in stone.
The legislature could change Idaho's gaming laws before the August deadline, allowing Powerball to stay. If the Idaho legislature does not make any changes to the state's gaming code, then an expensive process would begin wherein all the advertising for Powerball would be removed across the state. Including billboards and point of sale materials.
And the cost of doing so would be felt by all Idahoans, according to the Idaho Lottery.
As for the store owners, they encourage people to continue playing while they can.
"It's fun to play, and if the worst that happens is you're helping support education in Idaho, that's a pretty good way to lose," Jones said.
Stinker Stores will continue selling Powerball tickets until the Aug. 23 cut-off date, at which point the Powerball will no longer be available in Idaho.
ncG1vNJzZmihlJa1sLrEsKpnm5%2BifK%2Bx1qxmpaeTlrlwu9annKtln5t6tMDIp6Keql2owbC%2BxKxkqKZdpby4sdGbmKWkXZ56prrCqKyrmZeaerW0xGajnp%2BZqLmiwNSrnGasn2Kwqa3NoJxmrJiaeq2t1g%3D%3D