Odds are, people who play the state's SuperLotto will also play Mega Millions, and those who don't will consider giving it a shot.
An unscientific survey Wednesday found that most people say they won't be able resist plunking down a buck or two to play Mega Millions, even if it's only one time.
Mega Millions is the new lotto game coming to California this year. The game offers jackpots that range from $200 million to $300 million, with tickets for only a buck. Mega Millions officials say a $400 million jackpot is possible once California joins the game.
"I might be tempted to play one time," said Cameron Quick, a student at California State University, Stanislaus. "I wouldn't become a regular player, though."
Quick isn't crazy about the chances of winning. The big payoffs come at long odds: about one in 135 million.
Charles Ovrasim of Turlock is a regular player of SuperLotto and other games who likes the idea of the big jackpots. "I want to win something like that," he said. "So far, my biggest win is $56."
California will be the 12th state offering the Mega Millions game, joining New York, Texas, Ohio, New Jersey, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Virginia and Washington.
Like SuperLotto, Mega Millions players have to match five numbers and a special Mega Ball to win the jackpot. The starting Mega Millions jackpot is $10 million -- compared with $7 million for SuperLotto -- though Mega Millions officials say that could increase when California joins.
Bill Purewal of Jack's Liquors in Modesto thinks it's about time the state added something like the Mega Millions game or the better-known Powerball.
"I get lots of people who come in from out of state asking about those games," he said. "They're used to the $200, $300, $500 million games."
The first big SuperLotto jackpot in Stanislaus County, $4 million, involved a ticket bought at Purewal's store in 1987. "People will play more games, which is a good idea because we will get more money for the schools," Purewal said.
Schools get 34 percent of ticket sales, according to the state Lottery Commission.
Jay Jensen also knows about winning lottery tickets. His 7-11 Store on Geer Road sold a $10 million winner in 2003, the last time anyone took home the big prize in Stanislaus County.
Mega Millions will bring in more players, he said.
"As jackpots rise, the sales rise. That's the way it's always been," Jensen said, recalling days when a line of ticket buyers would snake throughout his store. "They don't want the $7 million; they want to win the $80 million."
Jennifer Eakins of Turlock describes herself as a "casual" SuperLotto player, preferring the state's Hot Spot game. When she does play the lottery, it's because of big money.
"The higher the jackpot, that's the ticket," she said.
Chris Kostka of Turlock is blunt about the new game: "I don't like it. It will take away from the SuperLotto."
He plays SuperLotto regularly, but would be " just as happy with $7 million as with $300 million. I'm not looking for the greedy side of it. I just want to pay a few bills and buy a few things."
The most the envelope has been pushed in Stanislaus County was a $16.5 million winner in 1997. The ticket was sold at the Newman Food Store in Newman, where owner Paul Yoon thinks Mega Millions is a good idea.
"I think it will bring more customers into our store," he said. "Everybody is after money."
just about every in-state lotto game has a decrease in either the starting jackpot, the amount the jackpot increases by, or both, so there may be a few changes with it.
Plus the annuity in the CA game stinks. I think they even give below 50% cash. I do know that it's not the same amount of cash over the years of the annuity. It grows with time (and inflation).
Also, don't forget that when CA joins, 1 in 135 million is not going to be the odds...when the 500 lb. gorilla joins, you know there is going to have to be a matrix change in the mix. I'm figuring odds more in the line of 1 in 200+ million. (Though looking at some of the various states' MM playslips, I don't know how they can fit many more numbers on them without a major redesign.)
I know the pool I run and I will continue to play no matter what the change is as well. In fact, if the jackpots get over $100 million more frequently, I'll be able to increase the members of the pool. I can't seem to get anyone but the die-hard regulars interested unless the jackpot is 9 figures.
Would CA Super Lotto Plus see any changes?
just about every in-state lotto game has a decrease in either the starting jackpot, the amount the jackpot increases by, or both, so there may be a few changes with it.
Nobody's mentioned that CA would join NY and TX in requiring Mega Millions players to choose when they PLAY, instead of after they win.
CO: What is CA's rule on that for SuperLotto Plus?
SuperLotto+ players must choose when they PLAY.
Plus the annuity in the CA game stinks. I think they even give below 50% cash. I do know that it's not the same amount of cash over the years of the annuity. It grows with time (and inflation).
Also, don't forget that when CA joins, 1 in 135 million is not going to be the odds...when the 500 lb. gorilla joins, you know there is going to have to be a matrix change in the mix. I'm figuring odds more in the line of 1 in 200+ million. (Though looking at some of the various states' MM playslips, I don't know how they can fit many more numbers on them without a major redesign.)
I'm hoping for around 165-190 million myself. That's why I like my idea of 5/60 + 1/33 (or 34) (feel free to use this Mega).
I think that 200+ million would seem to much but most could handle.
The slips could handle 5/69 + 1/33 at max but the odds of that would be 370 million to one.
I think a change to 1:185 million would go over smothly especially if the smaller prizes got a boost. At least the price won't change.
I'll be playing no matter what the matrices will be.
I know the pool I run and I will continue to play no matter what the change is as well. In fact, if the jackpots get over $100 million more frequently, I'll be able to increase the members of the pool. I can't seem to get anyone but the die-hard regulars interested unless the jackpot is 9 figures.