There is now collaboration between Iowa and Illinois to sell each other's lottery tickets.  Now people can purchase both "Mega Millions," previously sold on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, and "Powerball," which was sold on the Iowa side, where they live.  Based on statistics for fiscal years 2006 through 2009, Illinois Mega Millions sales consistently have been nearly four times the sales of Iowa's Powerball.

Last year, lottery sales reached $204.6 million in Illinois and $58.2 million in Iowa.  Being able to purchase both games in either state, without travel across the river, suggests an increase in sales.  However, multistate sales have decreased since 2006:  a 16% decrease in Illinois and an 18% drop in Iowa.  Still, larger jackpots will likely spur increased sales.

Here is a final statistic you should realize:  the odds of winning.  You have a 1-in-175,700,000 chance to win the Illinois Mega Millions lottery.  In Iowa's Powerball lottery, your odds of winning are 1-in-195,000,000.  You choose.

Statistics taken from "River no longer a barrier for lottery players," Quad-City Times, Wednesday, February 3, 2010