It's Sweet 16 for one Calgary lottery despite uncertain economic times.
STARS Lottery, in its 16th year, is expected to sell out within the next two weeks.
STARS officials say they were originally worried about sales because of the economy but so far bigger orders, like the $250 tickets, are selling better than last year.
That being said, there has been a drop in the $100 tickets. "I think some people are definitely cutting back so they're moving from the $100 ticket purchase order down to the $25, but there are so many people I think in this province that still are not being affected by the recession," says Phil Levson, the vice president of the STARS Foundation.
Another lottery that is getting ready face the new economy is the Foothills Hospital Home Lottery.
In its 17th year, the lotto put on by the Calgary Health Trust is hopeful history will repeat itself.
"The Foothills lottery has been going for 17 years. We've had tough times in the economy before and we've always sold out, so we're pretty confident this year again. It will be a new challenge but we're definitely ready to face it," says Matt Reiser, from the Calgary Health Trust.
Sociologist, Mahfooz Kanwar says whatever the economic situation is people will always test their luck with lotteries. "People are still hopeful and, on the other hand, they feel good that they're donating. But the most significant [motivator] perhaps is that they might win the lottery."
For more information about the STARS Lottery and the Foothills Hospital Home Lottery, click on the web links to the right.
