New lottery game suspended after low tickets sales

The new Monopoly Millionaires' Club lottery game has proved to be a sales dud and the game in its current format will end Dec. 26 across the country, lottery officials say.

Monopoly Millionaires' Club debuted Oct. 19 in 23 states, but sales came in below industry projections, leading the Texas Lottery Commission to suspend sales of the game in that state following the Dec. 12 drawing. Lotteries participating in the game then made the decision Monday to end all sales in its current format later this month.

"We have a small dedicated group of players who really enjoy the game," said Terry Rich, president of the North American Lottery Group and CEO of the Iowa Lottery. "The dilemma is that's a small dedicated group. It just didn't meet the sales expectations."

Rich did not elaborate on how much money the $5 ticket game has been bringing in since its launch. He also did not release information about initial expectations for ticket sales.

The national game had been intended to generate excitement by offering the potential for more $1 million prizes than any other lottery game in U.S. history.

"Like all good businesses, lotteries have to try new ideas," said Carole Hedinger, New Jersey Lottery executive director, in a news release. "We incorporated concepts into this game that have been popular elsewhere, but they just didn't do as well here."

Rebecca Hargrove, chairwoman of Monopoly Millionaires' Club and president and CEO of the Tennessee Lottery, said officials want to learn from the game, which was aimed at players who have asked for prize money to be split between more people.

"Every project gives you the chance to experience and grow," she said in a statement. "As with any other consumer good, our goal is always to provide a game that players want."

Contributing: Susan Weiner of the Asbury Park (N.J.) Press; The Associated Press