The Pennsylvania Lottery announced on Friday that it is upgrading to a new computer system, and this change will temporarily impact the ability of players to purchase specific tickets and redeem winnings.
Pat Browne, the Secretary of Revenue who heads the Pennsylvania Lottery, stated that the organization is working on enhancing vending equipment and technology to improve the playing experience for customers. He added that the upgrade is part of a larger effort to enhance the business, increase sales, and continue to responsibly raise funds for programs benefitting older residents. The transition to the new computer system is scheduled for next week and is expected to have minimal impact on players.
The upgrade is set to begin after midnight on Monday and will continue until late Tuesday. The Lottery will provide updates on its website and social media channels regarding the completion of the work.
During this period, there will still be drawings, but players will not be able to purchase Fast Play tickets or Draw Game tickets at retail locations or online. Draw Games include Powerball, Mega Millions, Treasure Hunt, Cash 5 with Quick Cash, Match 6 Lotto, Cash4Life, and the Pick games.
For players interested in Powerball, which has drawings on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights, or Mega Millions, which has drawings on Tuesday and Friday nights, it is recommended to buy tickets in advance of the upgrade. Vouchers cannot be used or issued during the upgrade.
Those wishing to buy Scratch-Off tickets at the counter or vending machines can do so using cash only. Players can also continue to play eInstant games online during this period.
During this time, winning tickets, including Scratch-Offs, will not be paid. Lottery officials advise players to sign the back of their tickets and keep them until they can be claimed after the upgrade.
The Pennsylvania Lottery website may not display the Daily Drawings numbers until after the system upgrade is complete.
Lottery officials mentioned that the modernization project began with the upgrade of new vending equipment at retail locations, and it will include the transition to new data centers, test environments, communications networks, and back-office systems.
Drew Svitko, the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Lottery, mentioned that all these efforts will enable the Lottery to operate more efficiently, enhance the playing experience for customers, and continue to raise funds for programs that older residents depend on.
