Mega Millions multi-state lottery to get harder to win in Oct.

May 20, 2013, 6:14 am (311 comments)

Mega Millions

Come this fall, winning the multi-state Mega Millions lottery jackpot will become even more difficult in the 45 states and jurisdictions that offer the lotto game.

The consortium that operates Mega Millions is upping the odds to 1 in about 258.9 million that someone picks all six numbers right.

The current odds are 1 in about 175.7 million that a person correctly chooses five of 56 numbered white balls and one of 46 gold balls.

The odds will change under a new format for the Oct. 22 drawing. Players will choose five of 75 white balls and one of 15 gold balls.

For comparison, the odds of winning either Powerball or Mega Millions are about the same right now. Powerball is 1 in about 175.2 million.

The goal is to increase sales. Making winning more difficult might seem counter-intuitive to selling more tickets, but big jackpots drive sales.

"The idea is not to keep more money but to raise more money," South Dakota Lottery Commission lottery director Norm Lingle told commissioners. "Unfortunately, the way to make jackpots grow bigger is to make it more difficult to win," he said.

South Dakota and several other states were back-doored into selling Mega Millions in 2010. A national deal reached between Powerball states and Mega Millions states resulted in all of them selling both games. South Dakota was a Powerball state.

The changes coming for Mega Millions will keep the overall odds of winning some prize at 1 in 40, according to Joe Willingham, who oversees sales of lotto and instant ticket games for the South Dakota Lottery.

He said smaller prizes will become easier to win.

The proof of a big jackpot's attraction came in late November 2012 as the Mega Millions top prize surpassed $660 million.

South Dakota sales spiked to $2.4 million and plunged back to the $500,000 neighborhood after the jackpot was won.

"We got an extra million in sales just out of that one draw," Willingham said.

Fifty cents from each dollar spent by Mega Millions players in South Dakota goes to the Mega Millions organization for prizes and administration.

The South Dakota Lottery keeps the other 50 cents to pay retailer commissions and expenses, with profits used for specific purposes of state government.

South Dakota already offered four lotto games — Powerball, Hot Lotto, Wild Card 2 and Dakota Cash — when Mega Millions was added.

As to some commission members wondering whether South Dakota has to accept the change in Mega Millions odds, Willingham said, "We're part of this, or we can't have the game."

Profits from sales of all five lotto games totaled $9.4 million for the 2012 fiscal year that ended June 30, 2012.

Lotto sales through 44 weeks of the 2013 fiscal year stood at $26.17 million. They were at $24.02 million at the 44-week mark a year ago.

Rapid City Journal

Comments

BuyLow's avatarBuyLow

Oh great.... now it's going to be more difficult than getting struck by lightning while getting eaten by a shark.

The new changes will make it so hard you will have to get struck by lightning while getting eaten by a shark while downhill skiing naked.

 

At least we can buy tickets now in FL Crazy

Jill34786's avatarJill34786

Not only will it be more difficult to win the grand prize but the odds on the 2nd tier prize will go up over 400%. Curious to see what they bump the payout for 2nd place.
There are many states that offer in-state lottery games with much better odds and higher jackpots than 2nd place in MM.

jackpotismine's avatarjackpotismine

I think that these changes are going to attract the average players when the jackpot gets really high. People that study lotteries or track them will probably play less until the jackpot shoots up really high. Just my two-cents.

Jill34786's avatarJill34786

I Agree! I rarely play as it is so it will take an enormous jackpot for people like myself to donate.

GiveFive's avatarGiveFive

Given that we're seeing more frequent PB jackpots since January of 2012 when PB raised it's price per line to two dollars,  I'm guessing that MM has learned from PB's experience.

There's no doubt that large JP's drive increased sales.  MM has seen what happened with PB.  They too want more large JP's, but probably dont want to raise the price of a line to two bucks.  Could this be their way of getting more frequent large JP's without raising the cost per line?

jackpotismine's avatarjackpotismine

Quote: Originally posted by GiveFive on May 20, 2013

Given that we're seeing more frequent PB jackpots since January of 2012 when PB raised it's price per line to two dollars,  I'm guessing that MM has learned from PB's experience.

There's no doubt that large JP's drive increased sales.  MM has seen what happened with PB.  They too want more large JP's, but probably dont want to raise the price of a line to two bucks.  Could this be their way of getting more frequent large JP's without raising the cost per line?

I agree. That's the ONLY way.

HiFi's avatarHiFi

how greedy can they get?  i guess there is no limit to greed.  everybody should boycott this because that is terrible odds.

CLETU$

Quote: Originally posted by HiFi on May 20, 2013

how greedy can they get?  i guess there is no limit to greed.  everybody should boycott this because that is terrible odds.

I,for one,will NOT fall into line like a nice little sheep and go along with being fleeced out of my money by a greedy lottery commission!I will boycot this decision and refuse to buy MM tickets.I have one ticket left for tomorrow nights jackpot and then that's it for me.

Tatototman65's avatarTatototman65

Boycott time...

Smile

jackpotismine's avatarjackpotismine

Quote: Originally posted by CLETU$ on May 20, 2013

I,for one,will NOT fall into line like a nice little sheep and go along with being fleeced out of my money by a greedy lottery commission!I will boycot this decision and refuse to buy MM tickets.I have one ticket left for tomorrow nights jackpot and then that's it for me.

It's not really greed as much as it is common sense. The masses will throw down a buck or two for a chance at a HUGH jackpot and that's what they are counting on. This was evident buy the $590 million jackpot. People go crazy and impulsive when the Jackpots are high. So who is the greedy one, the players or the government? I say both. Ha..ha. I'll be quite happy with winning a million or two.

Tatototman65's avatarTatototman65

^^^

I believe people go crazy and impulsive when jackpots are high because it rarely happens. With a game that's ALWAYS high with even worse odds, I don't think people will go lotto crazy that much, if at all.

Smile

smooth11484's avatarsmooth11484

Quote: Originally posted by jackpotismine on May 20, 2013

It's not really greed as much as it is common sense. The masses will throw down a buck or two for a chance at a HUGH jackpot and that's what they are counting on. This was evident buy the $590 million jackpot. People go crazy and impulsive when the Jackpots are high. So who is the greedy one, the players or the government? I say both. Ha..ha. I'll be quite happy with winning a million or two.

its greedy because instead of letting the megamill hit 1 every two weeks or so, so people like you and me know its possible to hit. they wanna make it harder to raise jackpot thinking that more people will play tricking us thinking ahh its a big jack pot let me throw a extra dollar on. the aticle clearly states that its made like that to raise more money. (not for us) well no one can not deny that they would not play mega millions more if somebody hits jackpot atleast 2 times a month rather than a large jackpot 1 every 2 months

jackpotismine's avatarjackpotismine

Quote: Originally posted by smooth11484 on May 20, 2013

its greedy because instead of letting the megamill hit 1 every two weeks or so, so people like you and me know its possible to hit. they wanna make it harder to raise jackpot thinking that more people will play tricking us thinking ahh its a big jack pot let me throw a extra dollar on. the aticle clearly states that its made like that to raise more money. (not for us) well no one can not deny that they would not play mega millions more if somebody hits jackpot atleast 2 times a month rather than a large jackpot 1 every 2 months

Remember that Lotteries in general are there to benefit the government (black projects,bribes,pet projects, high salaries,etc.) first and foremost. Why do you think they stop online gambling for the most part. They are the 'mafia's' of the world. They and only they can profit from gambling. Everyone else gets shut down. Anyway, I wonder how high will it go once this is in place, $1 billion? $2 billion? Wow! That would be something.

ashabug725's avatarashabug725

Quote: Originally posted by Tatototman65 on May 20, 2013

^^^

I believe people go crazy and impulsive when jackpots are high because it rarely happens. With a game that's ALWAYS high with even worse odds, I don't think people will go lotto crazy that much, if at all.

Smile

I Agree!

Win$500Quick's avatarWin$500Quick

Wow! Florida players finally get Mega Millions and then they decide to make the game harder. It may be time for all players to return to playing their state lotteries only. A Dollar and A Dream.

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

oK Smiley

noise-gate

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on May 20, 2013

oK Smiley

Probably thinking" We can make these odds as high as we want too, you folk will follow"

rcbbuckeye's avatarrcbbuckeye

Quote: Originally posted by Win$500Quick on May 20, 2013

Wow! Florida players finally get Mega Millions and then they decide to make the game harder. It may be time for all players to return to playing their state lotteries only. A Dollar and A Dream.

Just thinking that myself this morning. I can retire on Texas Lotto if I'm ever lucky enough to hit that. Odds are 26 million to 1.

Piaceri

Quote: Originally posted by rcbbuckeye on May 20, 2013

Just thinking that myself this morning. I can retire on Texas Lotto if I'm ever lucky enough to hit that. Odds are 26 million to 1.

Yeah, but they screwed that one up, too.

However, not as bad as they are screwing up MM.

bigguy5's avatarbigguy5

Quote: Originally posted by rcbbuckeye on May 20, 2013

Just thinking that myself this morning. I can retire on Texas Lotto if I'm ever lucky enough to hit that. Odds are 26 million to 1.

  thanks,   you are  right,   they  target   people  that  are  not  gamblers,    i  don,t  play  the  PB.  more,

  now  i want  be  playing  the MM.  IT  RIP  OFF,

rock_nc's avatarrock_nc

Can't win MM now as it is, After OCT, won't be playing anyways. Odds are going to be against us!

schmuckatelly's avatarschmuckatelly

Quote: Originally posted by Win$500Quick on May 20, 2013

Wow! Florida players finally get Mega Millions and then they decide to make the game harder. It may be time for all players to return to playing their state lotteries only. A Dollar and A Dream.

I remember when the starting jackpot in Florida was 7 million and that was with 1 drawing per week. Now it takes 2 weeks to get to 7 million. Still better odds then PB or MM. I'll just stick to my MegaMoney.

peppy007

I have a feeling this decision was just recently made. I truly believe mm was threatened by pb coming close to taking down their record jackpot.  I really believe they wanna become the world's first lottery to hold a one billion jackpot and enjoy the publicity that comes with it. Look folks if not for that one ticket in Florida,  pb would have become the holder of the worlds first billion dollar jackpot. And we would all be emptying out our bank accounts for a chance at it. Lol.

Ronnie316

"The idea is not to keep more money but to raise more money,"

This statement sounds deceptive considering, the more they "raise" the more they keep.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by noise-gate on May 20, 2013

Probably thinking" We can make these odds as high as we want too, you folk will follow"

You say "jump" I say "how high"?

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by on Mar 28, 2024

       Thumbs Up

Stack47

"Players will choose five of 75 white balls and one of 15 gold balls. " and "The changes coming for Mega Millions will keep the overall odds of winning some prize at 1 in 40,"

The odds of matching one of the bonus numbers is 14 to 1 and to keep the overall odds at 40 to 1 means there will be no payoff for matching the bonus number. The odds of matching 5 + 0 will be 17,259,390 which is higher than a 6/49 lotto game.

The only thing that might make it worthwhile playing this game is when the jackpot reaches the buying frenzy point, but who knows how long that will take. I guess the idea is for a small group of players to contribute every week until the jackpot reaches the "must win" level and then the majority of the players will start buying tickets.

Do the players really want to have one $590 million winner or 12 $50million winners because with these odds, there won't be many split jackpots?

surimaribo24's avatarsurimaribo24

Quote: Originally posted by BuyLow on May 20, 2013

Oh great.... now it's going to be more difficult than getting struck by lightning while getting eaten by a shark.

The new changes will make it so hard you will have to get struck by lightning while getting eaten by a shark while downhill skiing naked.

 

At least we can buy tickets now in FL Crazy

ROFL

u980044

This is a terrible, terrible idea and is likely to backfire.  How are you going to get to bigger jackpots when players now know that their chances of winning the jackpot (which was already much too improbable) has now unbelievably gotten even more improbable.  You are going from an outrageous 1 in 175.7 mil to an even more outrageous 1 in 258.9 mil.  Where I used to play twice per week, I am now likely to play once per week.  Where I used to buy two tickets, I am now likely to buy just one ticket.  With the new even more impossible odds, all you have done is finally convinced me that I should now play less or not play at all.  You are undoubtedly going to turn people away from the game.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by Stack47 on May 20, 2013

"Players will choose five of 75 white balls and one of 15 gold balls. " and "The changes coming for Mega Millions will keep the overall odds of winning some prize at 1 in 40,"

The odds of matching one of the bonus numbers is 14 to 1 and to keep the overall odds at 40 to 1 means there will be no payoff for matching the bonus number. The odds of matching 5 + 0 will be 17,259,390 which is higher than a 6/49 lotto game.

The only thing that might make it worthwhile playing this game is when the jackpot reaches the buying frenzy point, but who knows how long that will take. I guess the idea is for a small group of players to contribute every week until the jackpot reaches the "must win" level and then the majority of the players will start buying tickets.

Do the players really want to have one $590 million winner or 12 $50million winners because with these odds, there won't be many split jackpots?

I seriously doubt that a core group will want to contribute draw after draw so that someone (like boney) can come along and spend $10. and win a huge jackpot once or twice a year.

They would be BETTER served by lowering the odds (5/50 + 1/45) and charging $4. per line.

That would be $20. for a 5 line card and even more people would start playing.

dr65's avatardr65

Isn't raising more money the same as keeping more money?
Their bottom line is making money.
What makes me sick is the frenzy that goes along with jp's that rise to
impossible amounts. Everyone wants a piece which is natural but not
everyone can afford what they spend to chase a dream. 1/258M odds?
I'll bet most people won't even know what that means for the 5, 10 or
100 block of plays they purchase.
This change was made to create record selling days leading up to a huge
jp draw night. Honestly they should be ashamed of themselves but the
reason shame is not an issue is there is a big payout to be won and
someone will win it...eventually. That erases all responsibility and guilt
and makes the reality of what they're doing easy to ignore.
Their goal is big profits, they don't care whose dollar is funding the pot.
This move makes them predators...not beneficiaries.

tymack

Quote: Originally posted by schmuckatelly on May 20, 2013

I remember when the starting jackpot in Florida was 7 million and that was with 1 drawing per week. Now it takes 2 weeks to get to 7 million. Still better odds then PB or MM. I'll just stick to my MegaMoney.

I Agree!

Ronnie316

Raising the odds without raising the price is just plain stupid. If they want to increase revenue they should offer shared jackpots. For a price.

Prob988

This should finish off the killing of this game.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by Prob988 on May 20, 2013

This should finish off the killing of this game.

I Agree! The idea of creating a "frenzy" wont work if it takes a year to get there.

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

Bang Head

Coin Toss's avatarCoin Toss

Dear Mega Millions,

Enclosed is $2 that I was going to play on MM but I decided why not skip the formality of playing and just send the money in.

I do want to thank you though for giving me Pick 3 and 4 numbers,

258

2589

7515.

See Ya!

__________________________________________________

LP members,

Remember the threads about at what point would you stop playing a game, what size matrix, what price?

Some people said, "Never, I'll play no matter what".

Think this board isn't monitored by lottery officials?

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

Quote: Originally posted by rock_nc on May 20, 2013

Can't win MM now as it is, After OCT, won't be playing anyways. Odds are going to be against us!

Thumbs Up

CowboysFan's avatarCowboysFan

Well it looks like I will be sticking with the Super Lotto Plus and its 1 in 42,000,000 odds.

rooster8786

It will only work to make jackpots larger if people keep playing. When average amount players realize they CANNOT really win, they will sit on the siedlines and wait.  So yes the jackpot will grow, however it will take longer to get there because fewer people will be playing early in the game...

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by rooster8786 on May 20, 2013

It will only work to make jackpots larger if people keep playing. When average amount players realize they CANNOT really win, they will sit on the siedlines and wait.  So yes the jackpot will grow, however it will take longer to get there because fewer people will be playing early in the game...

Right, and after waiting a year for the jackpot to grow it will be a yawner.

u980044

Agreed.  People are now likely to play less frequently and likely to purchase less tickets so it would definitely take a long, long time for the jackpot to grow to a "huge" amount.  Most people would prefer having the more frequent opportunity to win "smaller" jackpots, albeit with crazy odds, than waiting around for a very, very long time for "huge" jackpots with far, far more impossible odds at winning.  What a terrible, terrible idea!

Editgap

Okay, so kill the dream and take the money.

I was never a fan of huge jackpot frenzies, but it gets none players to try their hand because the saw it on the news.

It wouldn't be any fun trying to track numbers to play. But I am a sucker too, I'll wait for the impossible huge jackpots.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by u980044 on May 20, 2013

Agreed.  People are now likely to play less frequently and likely to purchase less tickets so it would definitely take a long, long time for the jackpot to grow to a "huge" amount.  Most people would prefer having the more frequent opportunity to win "smaller" jackpots, albeit with crazy odds, than waiting around for a very, very long time for "huge" jackpots with far, far more impossible odds at winning.  What a terrible, terrible idea!

Huge jackpots are the big draw. No doubt about that. But higher odds only ensures that NO ONE will win for a very long time. Have players pay more AND offering a shared jackpot (for a price) would solve both issues.

Saylorgirl's avatarSaylorgirl

Didn't it just take 19 rolls for the mega millions to get to 190 million?  It will take forever at those odds to get it in the realm of playing for a higher jackpot.  I play every draw now but I will sit back and wait for it to get huge before I will waste money on those odds.

RedStang's avatarRedStang

Now that almost every State has both, they would be better off combining mm & pb and playing them the same 4 days. The jackpots could start high enough to attract more players and rise faster to spark a frenzy. It's the only way i could see justifying 75 numbers.  LOL, Maddogs challenge will be impossible now.

NoShame's avatarNoShame

I agree that it makes no sense in the long run.  People know that there's a huge difference in odds between 175million and 258 million and sales will show this if the recent 600 million Powerball has shown us.

Arrowhead's avatarArrowhead

Screw MM and PB. Sure, when jackpots get over $100 mil I'll buy a ticket or two.

Other than that, it's Ohio and Mich. Lottos. Live close enough to state line I can do both.

Either jackpot, even at minimum, gets me to retirement.

No Hawaii beach-front property, no fleet of new cars, no jet-set lifestyle. Just comfortable. And I can live with comfortable.

Carl8080

A better idea would had been two dollars per ticket 60 white balls and 40 red balls with jackpots starting at 50 millions then you would steal powerball thunder but your greed blinds you Mr.mega millions.

Ronnie316

I vote $4. per ticket.

Ronnie316

Todd's avatarTodd

Many people were extremely vocal when Powerball went to $2 per ticket, but it is undeniable at this point what a stroke of genius it was — and how gutsy the Powerball organizers were in putting it through.

The brilliance is not just that there would be more money coming in for jackpots (at $2 per ticket), but that by raising the ticket price without making the game any easier to win it almost guaranteed huge jackpots — and thereby bring in even more sales!

Think about it:  in order for the game to perform exactly the way it was before the price increase, they would only have to sell half as many tickets as before (because the price doubled).  And by selling fewer tickets, the jackpot would be much more likely to roll each time.  And then when the jackpot gets to record levels (like it did last week), everyone and their uncle would still buy tickets, because the $2 price is not a "barrier to entry" at that jackpot level.  And even with all those tickets sold and money rolling in, the jackpot still had a 1-in-5 chance of rolling.

So those calling for a price increase of Mega Millions, rather than making the game harder to win, may be on to something.  But I think ultimately the lotteries want the two games to be different, and to still offer a big multi-state game at a $1 ticket price.

It will be interesting to watch and compare to Powerball!

KSI30

Quote: Originally posted by schmuckatelly on May 20, 2013

I remember when the starting jackpot in Florida was 7 million and that was with 1 drawing per week. Now it takes 2 weeks to get to 7 million. Still better odds then PB or MM. I'll just stick to my MegaMoney.

I agree with you on that. Mega Money & Florida lotto

Jill34786's avatarJill34786

Quote: Originally posted by Saylorgirl on May 20, 2013

Didn't it just take 19 rolls for the mega millions to get to 190 million?  It will take forever at those odds to get it in the realm of playing for a higher jackpot.  I play every draw now but I will sit back and wait for it to get huge before I will waste money on those odds.

It sure did! The record MM jackpot of $656 million took 19 rolls as well. What a difference a year makes!

ressuccess's avatarressuccess

Good luck to the people in this game.

New York's avatarNew York

OMG. This is new. Hopefully it works. With an implementation like this, we could finally see an $1 Billion Jackpot. Anythings possible. :)

Here's Tuesdays MM winning numbers:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jY9gnohBM7Y

ShowMeTheMoney$'s avatarShowMeTheMoney$

If it's not broke, don't fix it.  I thought Mega Millions is fine the way it is.  This does seem like a very greedy move.  It really puts the shaft to the lottery players and has a huge chance of backfiring. 

Who wants more difficult odds???  Not ME!!! Banana

Piaceri

It sounds like this may be a boon to the state lotto games. I guess that explains why Texas Lotto stopped the $1m minimum jackpot increase per draw and added the "plus" factor. I buy fewer of those tickets, as I'm sure others do, too. I'll be buying fewer MM also as I'm in it to win the JP, not the lower winnings.

Any word on increased payouts for non jackpot wins? Or higher starting point?

ShowMeTheMoney$'s avatarShowMeTheMoney$

This reminds me of when New Coke was introduced.  People hated it.  I think people missed the old stuff.  So they brought back Old Coke.  This was a HUGE mistake!  I bet people got fired over that mess.  Maybe this will happen to Mega Millions too.  If it doesn't work out, they might bring back old Mega Millions. 

Maybe or maybe not???  Banana

RJOh's avatarRJOh

*"The idea is not to keep more money but to raise more money," South Dakota Lottery Commission lottery director Norm Lingle told commissioners. "Unfortunately, the way to make jackpots grow bigger is to make it more difficult to win," he said.

It was that kind of slick talks by Ohio's lottery officials that doomed Ohio's SuperLotto game a few years ago when they decided to limit the amount one ticket could win regardless of the jackpot size.  They said by limiting the winnings to $20M, the jackpot would not have to reset to $4M every time there was as a single winner thus keeping the jackpot large which would attract more players.

They found out large jackpots only attract more players if more players think they can win them.

*Note: If states raise more money, they will be keeping more money.

CLETU$

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on May 20, 2013

I vote $4. per ticket.

What planet are you from,anyway?

CLETU$

Quote: Originally posted by ShowMeTheMoney$ on May 20, 2013

If it's not broke, don't fix it.  I thought Mega Millions is fine the way it is.  This does seem like a very greedy move.  It really puts the shaft to the lottery players and has a huge chance of backfiring. 

Who wants more difficult odds???  Not ME!!! Banana

I Agree!    It's a dumb idea to change the game if it's not broken.

Jill34786's avatarJill34786

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on May 20, 2013

*"The idea is not to keep more money but to raise more money," South Dakota Lottery Commission lottery director Norm Lingle told commissioners. "Unfortunately, the way to make jackpots grow bigger is to make it more difficult to win," he said.

It was that kind of slick talks by Ohio's lottery officials that doomed Ohio's SuperLotto game a few years ago when they decided to limit the amount one ticket could win regardless of the jackpot size.  They said by limiting the winnings to $20M, the jackpot would not have to reset to $4M every time there was as a single winner thus keeping the jackpot large which would attract more players.

They found out large jackpots only attract more players if more players think they can win them.

*Note: If states raise more money, they will be keeping more money.

I Agree!

Unfortunately in this case, MM does not have a players best interest at heart. They are indeed looking to raise more money but also keeping a larger portion as well.

mypiemaster's avatarmypiemaster

Back in the days, the state of PA, had a game along those lines. Needless to say, it died an untimely death. Those who do not learn from history, are bound to repeat it.

RJOh's avatarRJOh

The changes coming for Mega Millions will keep the overall odds of winning some prize at 1 in 40, according to Joe Willingham, who oversees sales of lotto and instant ticket games for the South Dakota Lottery.

If that's true then just matching one of the 15 bonus numbers won't pay anything, you'll need at least a 1+1 to win something and it won't be $3 as it is now.

Goon

Man F*************** its no other way to say it than the lottery is becoming rigged and the worst part is these greedy idiots out in the world will continue play with inflated odds and less chances to winCussing Face

Its most these greedy peoples fault too, I hope they dont mess with any other games....

RedStang's avatarRedStang

Quote: Originally posted by CLETU$ on May 20, 2013

What planet are you from,anyway?

He's from area 51 and 4$ would still be a bargain. Where else could you invest 4$ for a chance to get millions.

mypiemaster's avatarmypiemaster

If they make 2nd prize $5000000.00

                   3rd prize $500000.00

                   4th prize $50000.00

                  5th prize $5000.00

                  6th prize $500.00

With a prize breakdown like these, there will be no complaints from me. NONE OF THOSE PARI-MUTUEL CRAP, EXCEPT FOR THE JACKPOT THOUGH. Nice dreams.

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by Jill34786 on May 20, 2013

I Agree!

Unfortunately in this case, MM does not have a players best interest at heart. They are indeed looking to raise more money but also keeping a larger portion as well.

Players best interests was always the responsibility of the players.  Lotteries consider their responsibilities end when they post "Play Responsible" somewhere on the their websites, play slips and tickets.

Nikoteen3

If they raised the price that would be a turn off, but i never pay attention to the odds when i play.

CLETU$

Quote: Originally posted by RedStang on May 20, 2013

He's from area 51 and 4$ would still be a bargain. Where else could you invest 4$ for a chance to get millions.

Anyone who would pay $4 for a 1 in 258.9 million chance to win ANYTHING is crazy as a loon!I won't even pay $1 at those odds. 

I do,however,believe you when you say he is from Area 51.

Jill34786's avatarJill34786

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on May 20, 2013

The changes coming for Mega Millions will keep the overall odds of winning some prize at 1 in 40, according to Joe Willingham, who oversees sales of lotto and instant ticket games for the South Dakota Lottery.

If that's true then just matching one of the 15 bonus numbers won't pay anything, you'll need at least a 1+1 to win something and it won't be $3 as it is now.

I had read elsewhere that matching the bonus number will not win you anything. Their 40-1 odds would be skewed and God forbid that happens.

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by CLETU$ on May 20, 2013

Anyone who would pay $4 for a 1 in 258.9 million chance to win ANYTHING is crazy as a loon!I won't even pay $1 at those odds. 

I do,however,believe you when you say he is from Area 51.

There are just enough crazy people out there that it might work.  After all when PB doubled the prices of its tickets and didn't double their prize amounts, some thought that was crazy too.  Now they're saying PB was ahead of its time and MM has to catch up.

These games will continue to stretch the envelope until it breaks and then start over with a new and improved version that looks like the original one.

Jill34786's avatarJill34786

PB bumped the 2nd tier prize from $200k to $1 million which is probably why the complaints have been kept to a minimum. If MM did something similar then it may not be as bad.

Win$500Quick's avatarWin$500Quick

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on May 20, 2013

There are just enough crazy people out there that it might work.  After all when PB doubled the prices of its tickets and didn't double their prize amounts, some thought that was crazy too.  Now they're saying PB was ahead of its time and MM has to catch up.

These games will continue to stretch the envelope until it breaks and then start over with a new and improved version that looks like the original one.

I Agree!

CLETU$

I was one of those that said doubling the price of a ticket and did not double the prize amounts was crazy and I still say that doubling the price of a ticket without doubling the prize amount was crazy.I'm NOT saying that Powerball was ahead of its time,I'm saying that Powerball found a way to stick it to its customers just as Mega Millions is attempting to do.I hope they fall flat on their face!

RJOh's avatarRJOh

possible combos of 5/75 + 1/15 numbers = 258890850
MATCH ODDS
5/5+B 1 : 258890850
5/5+0 1 : 18492204
4/5+B 1 : 739688
4/5+0 1 : 52835
3/5+B 1 : 10720
3/5+0 1 : 766
2/5+B 1 : 473
1/5+B 1 : 56
__________________________
overall odds 1 : 47

I'm thinking the odds of winning with the new format will look like this.  *The 0+1 win will be gone.

If the second prize is increased to $1M, the new format will be a (5/75) game with odds of 1:18M of winning $1M with a snowball chance of maybe winning millions more.

In Ohio this will make Rolling Cash5(5/39) with odds of 1/600K of winning $100K to $500K look more attractive.

Classic Lotto(6/49) with odds of 1:14M of winning $1M-$50M will be more attractive too.

C0w Pi3

2nd prize better be more then $250k hell more then a million otherwise thats a huge turn off. but hey there SHOULD be a few more jackpot winners until the game changes.. Party

miracleplay5's avatarmiracleplay5

Quote: Originally posted by Tatototman65 on May 20, 2013

Boycott time...

Smile

I Agree!is this something to take to change,org..Green laughwait..did i just ask a stupid questionNo Pity!

Goon

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on May 20, 2013

possible combos of 5/75 + 1/15 numbers = 258890850
MATCH ODDS
5/5+B 1 : 258890850
5/5+0 1 : 18492204
4/5+B 1 : 739688
4/5+0 1 : 52835
3/5+B 1 : 10720
3/5+0 1 : 766
2/5+B 1 : 473
1/5+B 1 : 56
__________________________
overall odds 1 : 47

I'm thinking the odds of winning with the new format will look like this.  *The 0+1 win will be gone.

If the second prize is increased to $1M, the new format will be a (5/75) game with odds of 1:18M of winning $1M with a snowball chance of maybe winning millions more.

In Ohio this will make Rolling Cash5(5/39) with odds of 1/600K of winning $100K to $500K look more attractive.

Classic Lotto(6/49) with odds of 1:14M of winning $1M-$50M will be more attractive too.

Your so greedy, greed is making it harder for people to win when the odds keep going up. You want to trade off less chances to win for more money, you will never win that new MM. The odds were already astronomical now there going to triple. They'd better not mess with the RC5 or CL or theres going to be a riot.

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by Goon on May 20, 2013

Your so greedy, greed is making it harder for people to win when the odds keep going up. You want to trade off less chances to win for more money, you will never win that new MM. The odds were already astronomical now there going to triple. They'd better not mess with the RC5 or CL or theres going to be a riot.

I doubt Ohio will be messing with RC5 or CL.  If you know the history of Ohio lotteries then you know these games were replacements for games like Buckeye5(5/37), SuperLotto(6/49+1) and Lot'O Play(6/99) which had  problems.  Ohio stretched the envelope years ago and learned its lessons, they're leaving that to PB and MM now days.

BuyLow's avatarBuyLow

This week the jackpot for both of these 6 ball games is $12,000,000.00 look at the difference in odds.

LottoBoner

EekDoes this mean I have to spend more of my lottery money on beer?

I suppose 15 bonus balls are more attractive.  However no prize for the BB not so attractive.

It seems like the change is more suited to attract high rollers, as 15 bucks to cover all JP chances is not unreasonable for a chance at zillions.  I would assume many highrollers might come out of the woodwork, playing full bonus ball wheels.

However I also agree it might take two years to get to a "Record breaking Jackpot", and I might be sitting out for a while until I can see how it goes.

I wonder if the larger matrix will make it easier to view the Patriot

I think area 51 is in Nevada.  I think thats on planet earth.Crazy

Ronnie is on call and only goes to Nevada when one of those really big aliens takes a really huge dump.Jester Laugh

Party1377

Well they offically are done when the change happens.

You keep it a $1, but the chances go from already impossible to worse? WOW

Powerball made the game $2. BUT

1. Chances better (NOT WORSE)

2. Jackpot started DOUBLE NEVER below 40 Mill

I will buy 20 powerball tickets for $40 bucks before I buy ONE mega millions for a $1. And won't buy even a single ticket until at least 100 mill, but probbaly even then. The odds now are even more INSANE. I suggest people do the same, and not buy mega millions.

Powerball made price higher, but the JP started higher, and the odds got a little better. Mega Millions need to learn that you got to give some when you take some away. WOW my odds get better to get my money back? BIG F****** DEAL. NO THANK YOU

Goon

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on May 20, 2013

I doubt Ohio will be messing with RC5 or CL.  If you know the history of Ohio lotteries then you know these games were replacements for games like Buckeye5(5/37), SuperLotto(6/49+1) and Lot'O Play(6/99) which had  problems.  Ohio stretched the envelope years ago and learned its lessons, they're leaving that to PB and MM now days.

I hope your right because its looks as if there stretching it again right now. I have to stop playing the MM now, I already stopped playing the PB when they jacked up the price. Its not like theres anything wrong with the games as they were but I hope they keep their hands off the other games long enough for me to win.

RJOh's avatarRJOh

When Ohio went to Lot'O Play which included 0-99, I rewrote my software to track 100 numbers but changed it back to sixty numbers when they discontinued the game.  I will probably just stop playing and tracking MM when it goes to 75 numbers rather than rewrite my software again.

Software vendors will have a small economic bubble for a while selling updates of their software for the new format.

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by Goon on May 20, 2013

I hope your right because its looks as if there stretching it again right now. I have to stop playing the MM now, I already stopped playing the PB when they jacked up the price. Its not like theres anything wrong with the games as they were but I hope they keep their hands off the other games long enough for me to win.

Sounds like you have until October to win MM under its present format.  If you plan to stop playing after that then you can afford to spend some extra effort and money trying to win it before then.

maringoman's avatarmaringoman

They think we're blithering morons, don't they? Fine. I am gonna let my 2013 season tickets for MM expire and that will be the last time I play either MM & PB. I might as well quit today seeing that the biggest prize I have ever won for playing for 10 years is a mere $150. I will wean myself from the two because I tried to quit PB cold turkey and was unable to. I'll start the weaning process NOW.

                                                                                             BS

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by CLETU$ on May 20, 2013

Anyone who would pay $4 for a 1 in 258.9 million chance to win ANYTHING is crazy as a loon!I won't even pay $1 at those odds. 

I do,however,believe you when you say he is from Area 51.

I think you missed to point. If they raise the price to $4. they wont need to change the matrix because they will sell fewer tickets, AND have bigger jackpots at sooner intervals.

Goon

I'll do that, its gonna be the final strech for me I guess lol. I'll just spend more money on other games with better oddsUnhappy

CLETU$

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on May 20, 2013

I think you missed to point. If they raise the price to $4. they wont need to change the matrix because they will sell fewer tickets, AND have bigger jackpots at sooner intervals.

I really don't care what your point was,$4 for a ticket is nuts and anyone who would pay $4 for a ticket is nuts!

Editgap

PB still has my wrath, $100 for matching 4 numbers out of 6. That's a joke

No one plays for secondary prizes but no one plays to loose either.

With 75 numbers, the entertainment factor with varnish from the game.

But it is business, and the got the numbers, suckers, players in the millions.

My problem is why stop at 75, got to 100, hell there are more numbers. 

What is the obsession with seeing $1 Billion jackpo?, it's like wanting to see a beatiful girl

And going home alone.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by CLETU$ on May 20, 2013

I really don't care what your point was,$4 for a ticket is nuts and anyone who would pay $4 for a ticket is nuts!

Ok, well people thought the same thing about PB.......

I ranted about the $2. as much (or worse) than anyone here but as it turns out I was wrong and PB is kickin butt with its big jackpots.

CLETU$

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on May 20, 2013

Ok, well people thought the same thing about PB.......

I ranted about the $2. as much (or worse) than anyone here but as it turns out I was wrong and PB is kickin butt with its big jackpots.

You rant about anything & everything.You take both sides of every issue just to see your name in print.You are nothing but a joke.

Guru101's avatarGuru101

Being that PB is $2 per line, I actually see the odds as 1 in 350 million, and now that MM is going to 1 in 258 million, I will very rarely play either after the matrix change. I'll stick to Hoosier Lotto.

Payout Odds

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by CLETU$ on May 20, 2013

You rant about anything & everything.You take both sides of every issue just to see your name in print.You are nothing but a joke.

Oh ok, thank you for your opinion on ME. Perhaps ME as a topic since you feel so passionately about ME?

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by Guru101 on May 20, 2013

Being that PB is $2 per line, I actually see the odds as 1 in 350 million, and now that MM is going to 1 in 258 million, I will very rarely play either after the matrix change. I'll stick to Hoosier Lotto.

Payout Odds

Thats why I said they could LOWER the odds (if anything) Which is essentially what PB did.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by Editgap on May 20, 2013

PB still has my wrath, $100 for matching 4 numbers out of 6. That's a joke

No one plays for secondary prizes but no one plays to loose either.

With 75 numbers, the entertainment factor with varnish from the game.

But it is business, and the got the numbers, suckers, players in the millions.

My problem is why stop at 75, got to 100, hell there are more numbers. 

What is the obsession with seeing $1 Billion jackpo?, it's like wanting to see a beatiful girl

And going home alone.

I felt the same way but forgave PB, and played 30 lines for the big drawing Sat. night.

Coin Toss's avatarCoin Toss

Todd made some good points about Powerball and the changes to it.

How many here that swore, "I'll never play PB again!" were part of the latest frenzy?

I'm just wondering how long a time we are looking at before one of these games has a 100 number matrix.

Bang Head

I really think the majority of lottery officials are of the mindset "Most of the schmucks (players) don't know the odds until there's a huge jackpot and the news tells them what they are, but they've got their tickets in hand by then."

Sad fact of lottery life, knowledgeable players have to watch the already hard games get harder and harder because of the ignorance of most players.

weshar75's avatarweshar75

They should have raised the price of the ticket to $2 then jack the odds sky high in my opinion.  I don't want to win $2 all the time because I play to win the jackpot and I will not be playing mega millions until the jackpot is big when they change to this bad odds in october.  It is hard enough to win already.-weshar75

US Flag

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by Coin Toss on May 20, 2013

Todd made some good points about Powerball and the changes to it.

How many here that swore, "I'll never play PB again!" were part of the latest frenzy?

I'm just wondering how long a time we are looking at before one of these games has a 100 number matrix.

Bang Head

I really think the majority of lottery officials are of the mindset "Most of the schmucks (players) don't know the odds until there's a huge jackpot and the news tells them what they are, but they've got their tickets in hand by then."

Sad fact of lottery life, knowledgeable players have to watch the already hard games get harder and harder because of the ignorance of most players.

I played after I never thought I would agian.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by Coin Toss on May 20, 2013

Todd made some good points about Powerball and the changes to it.

How many here that swore, "I'll never play PB again!" were part of the latest frenzy?

I'm just wondering how long a time we are looking at before one of these games has a 100 number matrix.

Bang Head

I really think the majority of lottery officials are of the mindset "Most of the schmucks (players) don't know the odds until there's a huge jackpot and the news tells them what they are, but they've got their tickets in hand by then."

Sad fact of lottery life, knowledgeable players have to watch the already hard games get harder and harder because of the ignorance of most players.

When all states allow winners to remain anonymous some clod will want a press conference.

I'm a clod who wants a press conference.

Coin Toss's avatarCoin Toss

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on May 20, 2013

I played after I never thought I would agian.

At least you're honest!

CLETU$

Quote: Originally posted by on Mar 28, 2024

On top of being stupid,you have bad eyesiight,too.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by CLETU$ on May 20, 2013

On top of being stupid,you have bad eyesiight,too.

OOpsey, I stand corrected. Thanks CLETU$

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by Goon on May 20, 2013

I'll do that, its gonna be the final strech for me I guess lol. I'll just spend more money on other games with better oddsUnhappy

ImA buy LOTS of MM/PB tickets no matter what.

Ronnie316

Thrifty disagrees with longer MM odds. 

Mega Millions multi-state lottery to get harder to win in Oct.

4 members gave this topic an average rating of 4 out of 5

Member Rating
THRIFTY 1 stars
helpmewin 5 stars
lotterytime 5 stars
Ronnie316 5 stars
CLETU$

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on May 20, 2013

OOpsey, I stand corrected. Thanks CLETU$

Ronnie.Isn't that butch for Veronica?

redhot7's avatarredhot7

I think the lottery counts on the fact that most lottery players have no idea what the odds are. Most players only care about the two most visible things. Jackpot and ticket price.

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on May 20, 2013

OOpsey, I stand corrected. Thanks CLETU$

making some new friends Group Hug

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by redhot7 on May 20, 2013

I think the lottery counts on the fact that most lottery players have no idea what the odds are. Most players only care about the two most visible things. Jackpot and ticket price.

I Agree! With ticket price being a distant second. Green laugh

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on May 20, 2013

making some new friends Group Hug

                                                          Love  Lover  Lovies

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

even if they raised them tickets to $5.00 each just like gas prices people may moan but they will still buy them because Lottery players are Winners Hurray!

Jill34786's avatarJill34786

Quote: Originally posted by BuyLow on May 20, 2013

This week the jackpot for both of these 6 ball games is $12,000,000.00 look at the difference in odds.

That is a prime example why many in-state lottery games will be that much more appealing once MM raises their odds

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on May 20, 2013

even if they raised them tickets to $5.00 each just like gas prices people may moan but they will still buy them because Lottery players are Winners Hurray!

I Agree! Im still a buyer @ $5. per ticket.

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on May 20, 2013

I Agree! Im still a buyer @ $5. per ticket.

I Agree! i'm in heck maybe they should raise them all P3, P4, P5, P6 

 Come on  Lottery we gotta get these roads in better shapeYes Nod

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on May 20, 2013

I Agree! i'm in heck maybe they should raise them all P3, P4, P5, P6 

 Come on  Lottery we gotta get these roads in better shapeYes Nod

Lots of good reasons to pay more. Biggger jackpot = BETTER

grwurston's avatargrwurston

Let's see, there is 316,000,000 people in the U.S.  The odds of winning are 258,900,000 to one. So if you were to eliminate

the population of California...  And then, if every single person in the country bought one ticket apiece with different #'s. You

would have one winner. Just putting the odds in perspective...   At that rate why even bother buying a ticket?  What?

miracleplay5's avatarmiracleplay5

you guys are funny...I saw somebodys signature that says "Never argue with stupid people they only bring you down to their level"but on the outside looking in it's funny to me.and some people pick fights with other posters just for attention and/or for their posts to go up..everybody that's a top poster doesn't always post things of value it's sometimes ignorant toe crushing comments all for the joy of an argument.Green laughwell it was fun reading the last few comments now im going to get back to making money off these states..I agree with someone that said even if the tickets go up like gas there will be people that buy those tickets so we can boycott but while we sit out others will be buying and winning.Make money people.PeaceLOL

redhot7's avatarredhot7

I am going to play local lotto more often. The odds are much better and 10 to 20M range is good enough for me.

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by redhot7 on May 20, 2013

I am going to play local lotto more often. The odds are much better and 10 to 20M range is good enough for me.

I Agree! i will keep playing either i will win or lose but least i tryed.Smash 

besides what good is money if you can spend it having FUN!

grwurston's avatargrwurston

Quote: Originally posted by on Mar 28, 2024

I don't drink milk... but then I've never been a calorie counter with anything.  Cheers

TREASURE's avatarTREASURE

If they do this I hope they raise the starting jackpot to at least 50 million. That should get things off to a good start each time it rolls over.Hurray!    Drum 

Party

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by TREASURE on May 20, 2013

If they do this I hope they raise the starting jackpot to at least 50 million. That should get things off to a good start each time it rolls over.Hurray!    Drum 

Party

i like the idea Bigger Jackpots and more people winning Dance

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on May 20, 2013

ImA buy LOTS of MM/PB tickets no matter what.

I Agree!

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on May 20, 2013

                                                          Love  Lover  Lovies

See Ya!

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Mega Millions multi-state lottery to get harder to win in Oct

 

i guess everyone wants to start complaining 5months early Green laugh

tymack

This is so off topic dallascowboyfan I hope you and your family are safe. Seeing that you are in oklahoma my prayer is that all is well with you.

Rfoxx21

hello new poster not new here
I just have to say that if we pay
$1 for 1 in 175 millions chance
that you are holding the winning
jackpot ticket for a jp that starts a $12
now I been playing since a was 18 couple
buck here and there for the hopes of winning
and having the american dream of a big house,
cars, and enough interest off the rest to of my money
to never have to worry
I pay $2 for the same 1 in 175 million chance to
win(sucks you can buy  as many lines
as mm for amost the same odds) trade off
to that tho is jp start at $40 million which I like
7 draws if no one hits to get to $100 million jp
So I would pay $1 for 1 in 259 million chance
to win if lets say jp starts at $80 to $100 million
I have no problem donating to that
it def couldnt stay at $12 million start jp
idk what yall think bout that but thats my 2 cents

joshuacloak's avatarjoshuacloak

i just want biger jackpots

if i want "great" odds i play my lower  odd games offered in tn

like hot lotto , 

for instant my current spending is this

1 powerball ticket to its over 200m

1 mm ticket to 100m range, then 2 mm tickets to 200m , higher it goes etc

and 1 hot lotto when its above 6m

all that may change is i just wait to 200m also for mm before i buy 2 LOL

 

when pb change happened, we was bit mad, me too, however i was happy jackpot was going to roll faster when i understood that part about it

but like i said then, i sure buy 1 ticket, am not quiting any jackpot game, its not like pure insane luck behind winning 

odds don't matter much if its 1 in 170m or  in 2xx million

its sure pure insane luck if u ever win it

same for MM,  high odds np, i always just throw 1 buck at it for hell of  shot at millions for a buck throw away investment

i play to dream big, i don't think ever time i play i will win.

even if odds are 1 to trillion, someone got to win.

just like somone in florida happy as hell right now.

the fact is MM had starter level jackpots being won left and right recently

and i was mad as wanted big jackpots, as i play to DREAM ,and low jackpots offer lower dreams

sure U be set for life, but i dream about owning my own jet etc LOL

 

Tuesday, February 05, 2013 02 · 05 · 10 · 26 · 44    + 46 4 $19 Million
Friday, February 01, 2013 01 · 30 · 32 · 40 · 41    + 17 3 $13 Million
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 08 · 12 · 27 · 46 · 47    + 06 3 $12 Million
Friday, January 25, 2013 11 · 12 · 17 · 31 · 48    + 01 4 $89 Million
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 07 · 11 · 16 · 39 · 54    + 13 3 $80 Million
Friday, January 18, 2013 08 · 18 · 25 · 42 · 49    + 14 3 $70 Million
Tuesday, January 15, 2013 01 · 06 · 12 · 19 · 41    + 14 4 $62 Million
Friday, January 11, 2013 24 · 29 · 30 · 34 · 56    + 01 4 $55 Million
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 03 · 20 · 21 · 38 · 42    + 19 4 $47 Million
Friday, January 04, 2013 01 · 02 · 23 · 25 · 55    + 39 4 $39 Million
Tuesday, January 01, 2013 04 · 11 · 21 · 25 · 44    + 29 4 $30 Million
Friday, December 28, 2012 10 · 13 · 32 · 40 · 41    + 32 4 $25 Million
Tuesday, December 25, 2012 02 · 03 · 18 · 34 · 48    + 36 4 $18 Million
Friday, December 21, 2012 03 · 18 · 32 · 41 · 56    + 19 3 $12 Million
Tuesday, December 18, 2012 01 · 06 · 07 · 18 · 29    + 16 3 $12 Million
Friday, December 14, 2012 11 · 28 · 33 · 41 · 43    + 41 4 $35 Million
Tuesday, December 11, 2012 39 · 44 · 51 · 52 · 54    + 13 4 $27 Million
Friday, December 07, 2012 07 · 43 · 44 · 51 · 56    + 04 3 $20 Million
Tuesday, December 04, 2012 03 · 19 · 24 · 32 · 43    + 44 4 $13 Million
Friday, November 30, 2012 11 · 22 · 24 · 28 · 31    + 46 3 $12 Million
Tuesday, November 27, 2012 05 · 12 · 26 · 42 · 49    + 24 4 $50 Million
Friday, November 23, 2012 08 · 37 · 44 · 47 · 48    + 27 4 $41 Million
Tuesday, November 20, 2012 09 · 13 · 22 · 38 · 52    + 44 4 $33 Million
Friday, February 15, 2013 11 · 35 · 41 · 42 · 44    + 42 4 $20 Million
Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Friday, November 16, 2012
05 · 24 · 26 · 29 · 53    + 36 4 $26 Million
Tuesday, November 13, 2012 06 · 12 · 31 · 46 · 56    + 34 2 $19 Million
Friday, November 09, 2012 18 · 22 · 33 · 35 · 40    + 11 4 $13 Million
Tuesday, November 06, 2012 03 · 05 · 13 · 32 · 35    + 06 3 $12 Million
Friday, November 02, 2012 04 · 18 · 22 · 38 · 44    + 24 3 $32 Million
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 05 · 12 · 18 · 29 · 56    + 38 4 $27 Million
Friday, October 26, 2012 04 · 15 · 24 · 36 · 40    + 44 2 $21 Million
Tuesday, October 23, 2012 01 · 17 · 42 · 46 · 55    + 01 2 $13 Million
Friday, October 19, 2012 14 · 34 · 36 · 48 · 53    + 42 3 $12 Million
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 13 · 37 · 40 · 46 · 52    + 29 4 $61 Million
Friday, October 12, 2012 06 · 10 · 24 · 26 · 42    + 15 4 $53 Million
Tuesday, October 09, 2012 06 · 15 · 16 · 22 · 37    + 03 4 $45 Million
Friday, October 05, 2012 08 · 09 · 16 · 32 · 39    + 15 3 $36 Million
Tuesday, October 02, 2012 10 · 11 · 20 · 42 · 55    + 09 4 $28 Million
Friday, September 28, 2012 06 · 08 · 14 · 43 · 56    + 28 4 $21 Million
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 07 · 08 · 23 · 50 · 51    + 26 3 $14 Million
Friday, September 21, 2012 03 · 13 · 14 · 46 · 55    + 34 4 $12 Million
Tuesday, September 18, 2012 05 · 09 · 22 · 36 · 49    + 36 3 $15 Million
Friday, September 14, 2012 16 · 17 · 21 · 40 · 51    + 20 4 $12 Million

my point is, good for lucky beeps who beat insane odds, however for people who like to see large jackpots when we play

it was being won to often

hell i  want 2 buck prize point like  PB's at this point for MM

i want it to rollover at lest 10m, and start higher, 

going form 12 to 14m is big turn off for me, it takes forever to grow it big.

compared to 40m to 50m over at pb etc

and i would think higher cost would of done the job for faster growing jackpot just like it did for pb

however i understand they want a 1 buck price point  for mega jackpot , so odds was only thing left to change it

and change it they did,  but starter jackpots will sure be just as low if they don't  find a way to grow that jackpot FASTER

at lest it be won less often, hell i want them to at lest try something new with the game thro then odds alone

i want to see math what they think new average jackpot amount will be, am guesting  somewhere in 200m range?

BuyLow's avatarBuyLow

Quote: Originally posted by Arrowhead on May 20, 2013

Screw MM and PB. Sure, when jackpots get over $100 mil I'll buy a ticket or two.

Other than that, it's Ohio and Mich. Lottos. Live close enough to state line I can do both.

Either jackpot, even at minimum, gets me to retirement.

No Hawaii beach-front property, no fleet of new cars, no jet-set lifestyle. Just comfortable. And I can live with comfortable.

I really like what you said in the last sentence.  I agree.  It's easy to get caught up in the fever of a big jackpot but you are right, comfortable with no worries is good too!

yoho

I'm really surprised at everyone's reaction. I mean 1 in 175 million... If it was 1 in 10 being changed to 1 in 100,000 then I might be upset, but when it's 

already 1 in 175 million, what's a few more million? lol... 

 

It's not like you got a "realistic" chance because its 175 million and not 250 million. Basically they're both 1 in "almost impossible". But now we have more

opportunity to dream. more opportunity for bigger jackpots. 

 

In canada, the 6/49 is $2 per play, with a 1:14 million chance for 3-30 million usually. Lotto Max is $5 for a 1:28 million chance for 10-50 million. Remember,

there's no annuity or tax, so I guess you can say it's the equivalent of around 8-80 mil for 6/49 and 28-140 mil for Lotto Max. Maybe these are the kinds of 

games you're looking for. Relatively low odds. But you know what? We never have jackpots for hundreds of millions. It just doesn't happen. I really wish we

had a MM/PB kind of game where it's possible to reach a few hundred million. Just for a dream.

veganlife125's avatarveganlife125

I've been cruising the site for a while and finally decided to join the conversation.  This last week was great not just because the pot was big but BECAUSE only one person won.  This decision to up the odds is something i have been thinking about for years and totally agree with.  The only queston is what took them so long?  This lottery is a fantasy for players.  We daydream about winning it all by ourselves, winning the largest jackpot, and appearing at the press conference.  Thats why the jackpot doubles about every draw over 200+ million.  With the current low odds the 200 mill+ barrier is only breached a few times a year and even when it is its won mostly by multiple players.  It beats us out of more fantasies and the schools out of more money.  Think about it.  If 3 or 4 players had won this lottery the impending press conference wouldn't even be important because it's being split to many ways.  What we want is a 2 BILLION DOLLAR LOTTERY+ combined with only one winner even if it isn't us.  That way you get to experience the high before the draw hoping you will win all by yourself and another high seeing the person who did win and their reaction at the press conference of going home with 1 billion+ after all taxes are paid.  Admit it. You want it and i want it.  Call it greed?  That depends on what your definition of greed is.  Greed is not wanting to keep what belongs to you but wanting what belongs to someone else.  The schools win.  The players win. You have no better chance of winning at 1 in 175 million vs. 1 in 258 million.  Its all luck at that point.  We are paying for a fantasy before and after.  Why not have more fantasies?  In the words of Gordon Gekko: "Greed for lack of a better word is good. Greed is right.  Greed works.  Greed clarifies cuts through and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed in all of its forms, greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge has marked the upward surge of man kind and greed, you mark my words, will not only save Teldar paper but that other malfunctioning corporation called the U.S.A.  Thank you very much."  ..........Bring it on!

Hermanus104's avatarHermanus104

I personally do not care about jackpot size. The only way that Mega Millions will get me to play is if they do something about the lesser-prize payouts. I will not play a game where they give me only $150 for matching 4+0 with odds of 1 in 15,313 when I can put the same amount of money down and possibly win more by playing the 3-ball, which is 15 times easier to win.

Party1377

I don't understand how people can say it does not matter. When the odds are getting worse by close to 100 million. IT DOES MATTER. Why would ANYONE play early on when you just sit out the JP will at some point end up high enough when someone will win.

WHAT ARE THEY GIVING US for taking our odds away? We get nothing back. Powerball was a lot different for $2. Went from starting at 20 mill to 40. And the odds got BETTER not worse. Even if JP started WAY higher the odds are worse. They was not selling as many tickets this year already 19 draws to get to 190 mill ONLY is pathetic. So they make it HARDER to win? Great idea........I am surprised there is not a bigger issue with this.

OldSchoolPa's avatarOldSchoolPa

Quote: Originally posted by Tatototman65 on May 20, 2013

Boycott time...

Smile

I Agree! This sucks! This smells like a proposal that came from someone linked to the NY Lotto game.  75 numbers!  That is crazy!  Or maybe someone confused raising Social Security age with raising pool of 5 up to the 75 mark. 

 

Actually, I won't boycott the game.  It brings in all of my significant numbers so I will play on.  Maybe I might get lucky and win the first ever billion dollar jackpot!  While they are at making changes, why don't they scrap the whole annuity thing and make whatever they advertise the cash value, taxes paid amount!!!

Hermanus104's avatarHermanus104

Quote: Originally posted by Win$500Quick on May 20, 2013

Wow! Florida players finally get Mega Millions and then they decide to make the game harder. It may be time for all players to return to playing their state lotteries only. A Dollar and A Dream.

The last time that Mega Millions changed was in June 2005.

California added Mega Millions to its repertoire in June 2005.

I'm sure that there was some relation.

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

It was a shot in the dark at 175 million to one.

It'll be a shot in the dark at 258 million to one.

It ain't like you ever really had a good shot at it anyway.

Todd once explained beating the current odds as akin to getting struck by lightning while being eaten by a shark.

And now it'll be like being struck by lightning while being eaten by a shark while in your tool shed eating mayonnaise out of the jar with a pool cue with Oprah on your back.

Know what I'm sayin'?

kapla

Quote: Originally posted by HiFi on May 20, 2013

how greedy can they get?  i guess there is no limit to greed.  everybody should boycott this because that is terrible odds.

Thumbs Up yup.. come Oct I STOP playing......

Party1377

Quote: Originally posted by rdgrnr on May 20, 2013

It was a shot in the dark at 175 million to one.

It'll be a shot in the dark at 258 million to one.

It ain't like you ever really had a good shot at it anyway.

Todd once explained beating the current odds as akin to getting struck by lightning while being eaten by a shark.

And now it'll be like being struck by lightning while being eaten by a shark while in your tool shed eating mayonnaise out of the jar with a pool cue with Oprah on your back.

Know what I'm sayin'?

Ya close to a extra 100 mill WORSE odds is NOTHING. When games like Powerball make the odds better these guys make it WORSE. Do they not see lower sales now then last year? So instead of MAYBE making odds better. They make them WORSE. The sales will be half of what they are this year by next year. Will people buy when it get's to a CRAZY amount of course. But until then they will not be selling well.

Think's avatarThink

I will wait and see what the prize structure looks like but with 18 million to 1 odds for second prize I doubt they will have a big enough prize for me to consider it worth the bother.

I will probably wait until the Jackpot is over $650,000,000 before I buy a ticket.

Consider the second prize odds about what a 6/51 jackpot game would be.

For 6/51 odds second prize had better be a $25,000,000 annuity.

PlayToWin47's avatarPlayToWin47

Quote: Originally posted by HiFi on May 20, 2013

how greedy can they get?  i guess there is no limit to greed.  everybody should boycott this because that is terrible odds.

EXACTLY!!!  Nothing but pure GREED from the lottery people!!!

The boycott might work, but will never happen...  There are FAR too many people that either know absolutely nothing about odds, or don't care about the odds, that will continue to play.

Gotta keep in mind that no matter what the many SMART people on LP think about this and how it affects the chances of winning (even though the odds were already ridiculously high), you have to look at how many people there are that finance MM for it to have the jackpots that it already has.

 

I personally don't care what they do to muck up MM, since I don't play it ... But the same MUSL people just got through doing the same thing to Hot Lotto, which is my game.  I bet another change will come soon for PB too!

jjtheprince

This is GREAT news, it's too easy to win currently.

This will only make it a little less easy.

You all watch, the same states east of the Mississippi will still win like crazy.

johnjohnson's avatarjohnjohnson

I mean when you think about it odds dont matter at a certain point. If its your time ... ITS YOUR TIME.

People complained about PB $2 change till no end but then when they saw its potential they hopped right on the bandwagon. Everyone was saying Im moving to the MEGA MILLIONS now...WELL LOOK AT PB TODAY!! Hitting two of the highest payouts in LOttery History.

I do have one complaint about this system and that is people are only going to play one ticket at a time or maybe 2 when before they might have played 5 because now they know this is near impossible. But if MM starts its jackpot at least around 50 million then we are good - Otherwise it will take MONTHS to get a good jackpot.

Ive done some analysis on these type of impossible jackpots and one example is the SuperEnalotto which is played in ITALY. guess what the odds are? 

1 in 622,614,630. NOW THAT IS WHEN WE BOYCOTT. MEGAMILLIONS is becoming too EASY TO WIN Before it hits 200M. I mean if people constantly are getting 5 numbers ( average 5-6 people a drawing) then its really unlikely. NO BODY even plays MM anymore...its all about PB.

I mean how in the world do 17 people match 5 numbers last drawing for MM but on a similar draw for PB only 5-6 people?? TIME FOR A CHANGE!! Smash

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Some people seem happy about the planned changes, I guess they think they'll feel better about losing if there are more players in the same situation as them.

Technics

None for me, I'll pass !! Its already a suckers bet...geez !!! 

warrenghou

It's a trick for sales and I will stop playing this game will spend my time on cash 5 for a realistic hit

DC81's avatarDC81

Idiots, MM was IMO the better game over the last several years and I mocked PB for all the stupidity they've gone through with fiddle with their odds which utter failed to where they had to bring them back down, now they're doing the same. Guess in a couple more years they'll be changing MM to a $2 game too.

yoho

Quote: Originally posted by DC81 on May 21, 2013

Idiots, MM was IMO the better game over the last several years and I mocked PB for all the stupidity they've gone through with fiddle with their odds which utter failed to where they had to bring them back down, now they're doing the same. Guess in a couple more years they'll be changing MM to a $2 game too.

Probably. It's called inflation.

RedStang's avatarRedStang

New for 2013. Mega Hard, the hard game that just got harder. More prizes, less winners. Everyone loves a harder challenge. It would make more sense to raise the prices instead of the odds. If they create less winners, people might forget about this game.

Saylorgirl's avatarSaylorgirl

Quote: Originally posted by Guru101 on May 20, 2013

Being that PB is $2 per line, I actually see the odds as 1 in 350 million, and now that MM is going to 1 in 258 million, I will very rarely play either after the matrix change. I'll stick to Hoosier Lotto.

Payout Odds

I do like the free ticket!!  I think I get one almost every draw!

CLETU$

Quote: Originally posted by yoho on May 21, 2013

Probably. It's called inflation.

5% or 10% raise would be called inflation.100% raise is called GREED!!!

luckyshoes's avatarluckyshoes

Quote: Originally posted by HiFi on May 20, 2013

how greedy can they get?  i guess there is no limit to greed.  everybody should boycott this because that is terrible odds.

Totally agree.

NightStalker's avatarNightStalker

I can't believe it's going to change.  Not sure what I will do, if I will play regularly or not.  I love the MM, but this change is pretty drastic.

sully16's avatarsully16

Quote: Originally posted by NightStalker on May 21, 2013

I can't believe it's going to change.  Not sure what I will do, if I will play regularly or not.  I love the MM, but this change is pretty drastic.

Yep, I may cut back myself

miracleplay5's avatarmiracleplay5

Quote: Originally posted by veganlife125 on May 20, 2013

I've been cruising the site for a while and finally decided to join the conversation.  This last week was great not just because the pot was big but BECAUSE only one person won.  This decision to up the odds is something i have been thinking about for years and totally agree with.  The only queston is what took them so long?  This lottery is a fantasy for players.  We daydream about winning it all by ourselves, winning the largest jackpot, and appearing at the press conference.  Thats why the jackpot doubles about every draw over 200+ million.  With the current low odds the 200 mill+ barrier is only breached a few times a year and even when it is its won mostly by multiple players.  It beats us out of more fantasies and the schools out of more money.  Think about it.  If 3 or 4 players had won this lottery the impending press conference wouldn't even be important because it's being split to many ways.  What we want is a 2 BILLION DOLLAR LOTTERY+ combined with only one winner even if it isn't us.  That way you get to experience the high before the draw hoping you will win all by yourself and another high seeing the person who did win and their reaction at the press conference of going home with 1 billion+ after all taxes are paid.  Admit it. You want it and i want it.  Call it greed?  That depends on what your definition of greed is.  Greed is not wanting to keep what belongs to you but wanting what belongs to someone else.  The schools win.  The players win. You have no better chance of winning at 1 in 175 million vs. 1 in 258 million.  Its all luck at that point.  We are paying for a fantasy before and after.  Why not have more fantasies?  In the words of Gordon Gekko: "Greed for lack of a better word is good. Greed is right.  Greed works.  Greed clarifies cuts through and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed in all of its forms, greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge has marked the upward surge of man kind and greed, you mark my words, will not only save Teldar paper but that other malfunctioning corporation called the U.S.A.  Thank you very much."  ..........Bring it on!

Hello fellow vegan..well I am assuming you are a vegan based on your username..hmm hopefully i didnt make a donkey of myself assuming that you are a vegan..haha..I didnt read your post but saw your name and had to say hello..since others are putting off topic or valueless stuff on these threads..Vegans Rock.PeaceYes NodHyper

miracleplay5's avatarmiracleplay5

"JACKSONVILLE MAN WINS $1 MILLION POWERBALL® PRIZE AND SPLITS WITH FRIEND

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Lottery announces that Jeffrey Geeting, 38, of Jacksonville, claimed a $1 million POWERBALL® prize from Saturday night's POWERBALL drawing and split his winnings with a friend. The other $1 million winning ticket from Saturday's drawing, sold in Pinellas Park, has not yet been claimed. The winning numbers from the POWERBALL draw were 10-13-14-22-52, and the Powerball was 11. Geeting's winning Quick Pick ticket was sold at Winn-Dixie, located at 12777 Atlantic Boulevard in Jacksonville. The retailer received a $1,000 bonus commission for selling the $1 million POWERBALL ticket.

The two friends purchased $20 each of POWERBALL tickets for Saturday night's draw, pledging to share with each other should either one win. On Sunday morning they each checked their tickets. While his friend did not match any numbers, Jeffrey matched 5-of-5 numbers to win $1 million, and kept his promise to share. "We are thrilled to have a Jacksonville player be among the winners from this record Powerball drawing," said Secretary Cynthia O'Connell.

This series of POWERBALL rollovers generated more than $50 million to the state's Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. More than $800 million from POWERBALL sales alone has gone to support education since Florida joined POWERBALL in 2009.

One Florida POWERBALL ticket, purchased in Zephyrhills, won the record-high $590.5 million POWERBALL. The jackpot winner has not yet claimed their prize. More than 600,000 Florida players won prizes in Saturday's draw, bringing Florida's total POWERBALL winnings to more than $1 billion. This drawing also produced Florida's 100th POWERBALL millionaire since Florida joined in 2009."-Florida Lottery Website

I wouldn't have wasted any time either.Wouldve been the first person in the door even if I had the jackpot ticket, I would wear a disguise though since Florida say no anonymity allowed.

rock_nc's avatarrock_nc

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on May 20, 2013

Some people seem happy about the planned changes, I guess they think they'll feel better about losing if there are more players in the same situation as them.

I Agree! I can't win now as it is on MM. Like my brother say's YOU CAN'T WIN EM ALL!!! Yea, I told him I would like to win one out of 3 or 4 draws though!

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Quote: Originally posted by rock_nc on May 21, 2013

I Agree! I can't win now as it is on MM. Like my brother say's YOU CAN'T WIN EM ALL!!! Yea, I told him I would like to win one out of 3 or 4 draws though!

It's true that you can't win 'em all.

But you CAN lose 'em all.

rock_nc's avatarrock_nc

Quote: Originally posted by rdgrnr on May 21, 2013

It's true that you can't win 'em all.

But you CAN lose 'em all.

Hey, you are right about that! I do lose more than I win. I don't even win on any draws, just told my bro that to keep him thinking, that I do win, but I do lose on every draw, now that's for sure!

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Quote: Originally posted by rock_nc on May 21, 2013

Hey, you are right about that! I do lose more than I win. I don't even win on any draws, just told my bro that to keep him thinking, that I do win, but I do lose on every draw, now that's for sure!

Welp, you got the same chance to win the big one as we all do - very slim.

But somebody with that same very slim chance wins it every once in a while.

Just gotta make sure you're there with a ticket in your hand when it's your turn.

Good luck, rock!

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by rock_nc on May 21, 2013

Hey, you are right about that! I do lose more than I win. I don't even win on any draws, just told my bro that to keep him thinking, that I do win, but I do lose on every draw, now that's for sure!

I never "lose" on any draw..... Every ticket purchase is small part of the winning process.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by rdgrnr on May 21, 2013

It's true that you can't win 'em all.

But you CAN lose 'em all.

I win on every draw, because IMA winner.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by CLETU$ on May 21, 2013

5% or 10% raise would be called inflation.100% raise is called GREED!!!

Its not greed CLETU$. Its called a big improvement over the old way of doing it. Try and keep up.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by sully16 on May 21, 2013

Yep, I may cut back myself

I think the 5/75 idea is just a test balloon. I don't think it will be implemented.

CLETU$

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on May 21, 2013

Its not greed CLETU$. Its called a big improvement over the old way of doing it. Try and keep up.

It IS greed on the part of Powerball.I don't see it as even a little improvement.I have tried it and I don't like it.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by CLETU$ on May 21, 2013

It IS greed on the part of Powerball.I don't see it as even a little improvement.I have tried it and I don't like it.

Ok, wow. So YOU are the standard bearer for everything Powerball? Did you also create the universe?

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on May 21, 2013

Ok, wow. So YOU are the standard bearer for everything Powerball? Did you also create the universe?

In case you didn't notice the PB jackpot starts higher AND gets to to $100+ a few draws faster.

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on May 21, 2013

I win on every draw, because IMA winner.

Positive Thinking and affirmations work in a lot of arenas.

But I don't think the lottery is one of them (for me anyway). This is based purely on my own personal, dedicated and long-term efforts and experience.

I have seen and experienced intuition work in the lottery though.

But nonetheless I hope it works for you, good luck!

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by rdgrnr on May 21, 2013

Positive Thinking and affirmations work in a lot of arenas.

But I don't think the lottery is one of them (for me anyway). This is based purely on my own personal, dedicated and long-term efforts and experience.

I have seen and experienced intuition work in the lottery though.

But nonetheless I hope it works for you, good luck!

Thanks Ridge, Im just in barkin on a newly fond way of pre-tendin to be a winner. I think I can.......

Rfoxx21

it only takes 7 draws no winner for get to $100 million which i like

and why i dont mind paying $2 bucks a line

dont get me wrong $12 million is nothing to sneeze at but

i rather pay $2 a line to win jp that start $40 million

with just about the same odds as mm.

so my suggestion for mm if they are gonna the new lay out 

with 1 in 259 million chance to win start jp at 80 to 100 million

and if they think it will b harder to hit and most dont play till its 100 million plus 

then they should no problem getting a pot to roll

and you shouldnt have the problem of starting at 12 million then someone wins 2 draws later

someone wins then back down to 12 million.

but if they only double jp start as pp did then yea there jackpot aint going no where quick

other prizes pay out can be whatever they wont it to 

idk how you guys play but im in it for the jp

and anything else i win is just extra that i just donate back to try and win my jp someday

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by Rfoxx21 on May 21, 2013

it only takes 7 draws no winner for get to $100 million which i like

and why i dont mind paying $2 bucks a line

dont get me wrong $12 million is nothing to sneeze at but

i rather pay $2 a line to win jp that start $40 million

with just about the same odds as mm.

so my suggestion for mm if they are gonna the new lay out 

with 1 in 259 million chance to win start jp at 80 to 100 million

and if they think it will b harder to hit and most dont play till its 100 million plus 

then they should no problem getting a pot to roll

and you shouldnt have the problem of starting at 12 million then someone wins 2 draws later

someone wins then back down to 12 million.

but if they only double jp start as pp did then yea there jackpot aint going no where quick

other prizes pay out can be whatever they wont it to 

idk how you guys play but im in it for the jp

and anything else i win is just extra that i just donate back to try and win my jp someday

I Agree! And at $4. per draw it could be even BETTER. Lets call it a man's game. Not for the faint of heart.

RJOh's avatarRJOh

I keep thinking if winning the jackpot is just a dream then players will really be playing to win the second prize.

Now the question is what amount will the second prize has to be with odds of 1:18M to be competitive with local games offering jackpots with better odds.  For example Ohio has Classic Lotto(6/49) with jackpots of $1-$50M with odds of 1:14M.

CLETU$

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on May 21, 2013

In case you didn't notice the PB jackpot starts higher AND gets to to $100+ a few draws faster.

I do like THAT part of it because I don't play until it reaches 100 million dollars.

lakerben's avatarlakerben

Oh well!

miracleplay5's avatarmiracleplay5

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

CONTACT: FLORIDA LOTTERY COMMUNICATIONS
(850) 487-7727
www.flalottery.com

SEMINOLE MAN, BILL MURRAY FAN WINS $1 MILLION POWERBALL® PRIZE

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Lottery announces that Steven Vaughan, 41, of Seminole, claimed the second $1 million POWERBALL® prize from Saturday night's POWERBALL drawing. The winning numbers from the POWERBALL draw were 10-13-14-22-52, and the Powerball was 11. Vaughan's winning Quick Pick ticket was sold at Park 74 Sunoco, located at 7091 Park Boulevard in Pinellas Park. The retailer received a $1,000 bonus commission for selling the $1 million POWERBALL ticket.

Vaughan, a regular POWERBALL player, and avid Bill Murray fan, was ecstatic to learn he matched 5-of-5 winning numbers to win $1 million in the May 18 drawing.

"Now that Florida's two $1 million POWERBALL winners have claimed their prizes, the Florida Lottery is looking forward to awarding the jackpot prize; the largest, single-winning ticket in Lottery history," said Secretary Cynthia O'Connell.

tkr333's avatartkr333

Looks to me like the in state smaller jackpot games would be more profitable for the player, since the odds are so great in the megamill & pb games.

LottoGuyBC's avatarLottoGuyBC

5/75 Thud

Hit With Stick  Hit With Stick

bluefox10's avatarbluefox10
Is this a joke? Why is it that once Florida joins Mega Millions and Powerball gets somewhat close to breaking their record that they decide to change the format? This new format is absurd 1 in 258,890,850 odds for a jackpot! 

We should all boycott Mega Millions until they create a game that is a little more reasonable. Something along the lines of 5/65 + 1/15 which produces odds of 1 in 123,898,320 would be more like it. Along with a tax-free lump sum like they have in Canada.
Astekblue's avatarAstekblue

Dont  like  this  new  change  at  all    Puke

 

I cut way back when  PB  raised  their  prices ,  and I sit out more draws than I play anymore  , and then only play one ticket when I do play  ( which  is  only  once  in  a  blue  moon )

 

Looks  like  I  will  do  the  same  thing   with   MM    starting   October

 

Its  all   pure  greed  on  their  part  in  my  opinion

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

I think MM may see an uptick in sales before the change and then a dropoff after.

Rfoxx21

Just idea i have for prize structure pay out i could have lost it or how much this would actually work with total money brought in a total money paid out but i would mind paying the same dollar maybe maybe $2 a line but here it is

8 prize levels

5/5 +b= $ 80 to 100 million

5/5=$ 5 million

4/5 +b=$ 30,000

4/5=$1,000

3/5 +b=$300

3/5=$50

2/5 +b$25

1/5 +b=$10

that may be me just thinking crazy or w.e but im down with that prize pay out and the  1 in 259 million odds to win the jackpot 

that would keep me playing and the jackpots would have no problem rolling just dont know if thats 2 much payout to take in ratio

Rfoxx21

I know thats a lot of wishful thinking on my part and MMs would probably have none of that. i no my pay out may be a little high on some prize level but i think that would keep people playing especially if they keep it a dollar a line and the JPs would grow and once the JPs get to $200 million who really cares about 1 in 259 million chance to win all our thinkin is, is this finally my jackpot to win. im not a greedy person just want to win big money jackpot by myself and the high odds lends itself to produce single big jackpot winners and idk bout any one else who plays MM and PB but i play to win a big jackpot by myself and thats why they got lower prize levels so u still win but 1 big prize for 1 big winner is how i feel.

NightStalker's avatarNightStalker

Rfoxx21 - your enthusiasm is great and not unappreciated.  But my take on it is just somewhat different.  My budget for all lottery is $16 a week.  I spend $4 on PB, $6 on MM and $6 on the Ohio Classic Lotto, give or take a couple dollars here and there.  Many weeks I don't buy PB because of the price increase and use that money for MM or Classic. 

I feel like I have more chances to win with MM because I have more lines.  (Statistically I know there isn't any difference, but I don't care.)  Now the MM wants me to pay $2 or even more for an even less of a chance to win?  I don't think that is very likely.  I will just have to keep the extra money in OH and start playing the Rolling Cash 5.

I think that a higher priced ticket may drive away potential players. 

 

Good luck to you!

NightStalker's avatarNightStalker

Quote: Originally posted by rdgrnr on May 21, 2013

I think MM may see an uptick in sales before the change and then a dropoff after.

I can tell you one person that will be dropping off after the change.

I swear the MM is beginning to sound more and more like a government run operation.  Pay more for less of a chance to get anything.

Now who's the sucker?Cussing Face

Artist77's avatarArtist77

Higher odds do not bother me that much but now having to now choose from 75 numbers??!!! I was never one to say I was not going to play before but I don't think it is going to hold my interest when it changes. I'd rather buy multiple win for life tickets or decades of dollars. I spend enough time picking my numbers already.

Artist77's avatarArtist77

Quote: Originally posted by rdgrnr on May 21, 2013

I think MM may see an uptick in sales before the change and then a dropoff after.

I agree. 75 numbers are way too much.

Emilie

I was a avid Mega Millions player, but if they go to the higher ODDS of 1out of 258 Million then I will never play Mega Millions ,that elimanate all chances of ever winning the JACKPOT or even the smaller prices, I'm not just giving my money to them. Them States are really getting greedy and then they paying them Private Company's Millions of Dollars to run there Lotteries ,another braindead Idea's of them REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS ,who think that what is run privatly is better , no it just elimanates more Public Employees good paying JOBS.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by Astekblue on May 21, 2013

Dont  like  this  new  change  at  all    Puke

 

I cut way back when  PB  raised  their  prices ,  and I sit out more draws than I play anymore  , and then only play one ticket when I do play  ( which  is  only  once  in  a  blue  moon )

 

Looks  like  I  will  do  the  same  thing   with   MM    starting   October

 

Its  all   pure  greed  on  their  part  in  my  opinion

I don't see it as a matter of "greed". All they are trying to do is make the game BETTER by creating BIGGER jackpots for the players to win. They are just misguided in thinking longer odds will help, when fewer tickets sold (at a higher price) will accomplish the task in a MUCH more efficiently way.

CLETU$

Quote: Originally posted by Emilie on May 21, 2013

I was a avid Mega Millions player, but if they go to the higher ODDS of 1out of 258 Million then I will never play Mega Millions ,that elimanate all chances of ever winning the JACKPOT or even the smaller prices, I'm not just giving my money to them. Them States are really getting greedy and then they paying them Private Company's Millions of Dollars to run there Lotteries ,another braindead Idea's of them REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS ,who think that what is run privatly is better , no it just elimanates more Public Employees good paying JOBS.

Illinois has a private company running their lottery and it has a  braindead govenor that just happens to be DEMOCRATIC.I don't know about the other states,but I'm thinking that they have braindead DEMOCRATIC govenors,too.I could be wrong,though.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by CLETU$ on May 21, 2013

Illinois has a private company running their lottery and it has a  braindead govenor that just happens to be DEMOCRATIC.I don't know about the other states,but I'm thinking that they have braindead DEMOCRATIC govenors,too.I could be wrong,though.

Our (EX) brain dead Governor is now running the DHS and buying bullets at a breakneck pace.

kenb

The multi-state lotteries are striving toward the one billion dollar jackpot. Just think about the media frenzy that will create!

 

Has Powerball raised more money by charging $2 per board? Will that be a better deal than Mega's new version?

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by kenb on May 21, 2013

The multi-state lotteries are striving toward the one billion dollar jackpot. Just think about the media frenzy that will create!

 

Has Powerball raised more money by charging $2 per board? Will that be a better deal than Mega's new version?

All MM needs to do is trump PB by charging $4. per line. Easy.

Toronto

The jackpot won't grow any faster. Maybe even fewer will play at low levels; so it will take forever to get to a level (200 million+) for a frenzy to start, and it will continually get won at lower jackpots because the jackpot size (and sales) can never accelerate fast enough to get to the levels where everyone starts playing. Powerball already tried higher odds @ 1 in 195 million, it failed; during that period it never broke any records or even came close to $300 million jackpots.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by Toronto on May 21, 2013

The jackpot won't grow any faster. Maybe even fewer will play at low levels; so it will take forever to get to a level (200 million+) for a frenzy to start, and it will continually get won at lower jackpots because the jackpot size (and sales) can never accelerate fast enough to get to the levels where everyone starts playing. Powerball already tried higher odds @ 1 in 195 million, it failed; during that period it never broke any records or even came close to $300 million jackpots.

Exactly, that's why MM needs a $4. price point and a BETTER prize structure.

redhot7's avatarredhot7

If they are going to make it harder to win, they better start the jackpot at $500 million dollars.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by redhot7 on May 21, 2013

If they are going to make it harder to win, they better start the jackpot at $500 million dollars.

Making it harder to win wont work. If they move forward with those plans it will be a flop.

bluefox10's avatarbluefox10

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on May 21, 2013

Making it harder to win wont work. If they move forward with those plans it will be a flop.

I agree big time. This will be a major flop for Mega Millions.

MadGeniusDude's avatarMadGeniusDude

I am very dissapointed....Poke

NightStalker's avatarNightStalker

I sent an email this morning to MM and got this reply from someone at the Ohio Lottery.

 

Thanks for your inquiry.  The game is changing but not the price point. The number of balls to choose from is increasing which will allow for larger and more jackpots. Also, the game will have a starting jackpot of $15 million!

 

Linda

Ohio Lottery WebMail

 

So, I may still play, but I really don't like the increase of the odds.

JoeBigLotto's avatarJoeBigLotto

Quote: Originally posted by HiFi on May 20, 2013

how greedy can they get?  i guess there is no limit to greed.  everybody should boycott this because that is terrible odds.

People said the samething with powerball and now last weekend powerball produced 33 new one million dollar winners accross America so it depends on what other prices will be like but left to me i will say leave the game the way it is but double the price to $2 like powerball America doesn't have a problem paying $2 so far lol with all the long line arround building like a bikini lady selling hot dogs.

Stack47

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on May 21, 2013

I keep thinking if winning the jackpot is just a dream then players will really be playing to win the second prize.

Now the question is what amount will the second prize has to be with odds of 1:18M to be competitive with local games offering jackpots with better odds.  For example Ohio has Classic Lotto(6/49) with jackpots of $1-$50M with odds of 1:14M.

It's supply and demand. The players want larger jackpots, but won't play until it's almost $200 million. PB solved that problem by increasing ticket prices and it looks like MM is just going to add more combos and make it harder to win. Personally I'd rather see 20 players win $30 million than one player winning $590 million but that ain't going to happen.

The secondary prizes, the prizes we'll most likely win barely cover the cost of play; beat odds 360 to 1 with a $2 ticket and win $5. If the players want bigger jackpots and bigger prizes, eliminate all the secondary prizes but 4 + 1 and 5 + 0, give bigger payoffs for them and put the rest towards the jackpot.

Emilie

There are going to be less Players in the beginning of the Jackpot cycle,so it won't the 100 Millionen point by about  20 drawings so it could take over 26 weeks to have a Jackpot winner maybe even 39 weeks,so what are they gaining if they only will have one big Jackpot a Year for 1 Billion Jackpot.

It is total ludicris what the MEGA Millions Lottery wants to accomplish by incrising the ODDS of winning ,I will boycot the MEGA Million Game completely!!!!!!!!

Guru101's avatarGuru101

Quote: Originally posted by NightStalker on May 21, 2013

I sent an email this morning to MM and got this reply from someone at the Ohio Lottery.

 

Thanks for your inquiry.  The game is changing but not the price point. The number of balls to choose from is increasing which will allow for larger and more jackpots. Also, the game will have a starting jackpot of $15 million!

 

Linda

Ohio Lottery WebMail

 

So, I may still play, but I really don't like the increase of the odds.

$15 million? Wow, this increase in odds is so justified.Roll Eyes

PlayToWin47's avatarPlayToWin47

Quote: Originally posted by NightStalker on May 21, 2013

I sent an email this morning to MM and got this reply from someone at the Ohio Lottery.

 

Thanks for your inquiry.  The game is changing but not the price point. The number of balls to choose from is increasing which will allow for larger and more jackpots. Also, the game will have a starting jackpot of $15 million!

 

Linda

Ohio Lottery WebMail

 

So, I may still play, but I really don't like the increase of the odds.

<snip> The number of balls to choose from is increasing which will allow for larger and more jackpots. <snip>

Talk about blowing smoke up your a**!!!  That is NOT the way it works!!!  More balls means LESS jackpots, because it is harder to match your numbers with the winning numbers ... HIGHER ODDS !!!

weshar75's avatarweshar75

I bet if we give this new odds some time to do draws like a year and they see how bad the game is doing they will change it again.  Lowering the odds and upping the ticket prize to $2 which is what I said they should do to keep the odds low.  And it still will be hard to win the jackpot.-weshar75

US Flag

yoho

Quote: Originally posted by PlayToWin47 on May 21, 2013

<snip> The number of balls to choose from is increasing which will allow for larger and more jackpots. <snip>

Talk about blowing smoke up your a**!!!  That is NOT the way it works!!!  More balls means LESS jackpots, because it is harder to match your numbers with the winning numbers ... HIGHER ODDS !!!

It doesn't mean "more" or "less" jackpots. More or less is dependent on the draw frequency, nothing else. 

 

I highly doubt this is going to fail like you all think. Most people probably don't know much about the probability anyway. 

 

Also, it'd be a lot greedier to up the $ per ticket. I think upping the odds is really nice of them. Making tickets expensive, like $4 as Ronnie suggested would 

mean most casual players stop playing. This means that they're just getting more money from the regular "addicts". That's really not very humane. It's really

nice to keep the ticket price low so that any casual player might help contribute a bit instead of addicts losing all their money.

RedStang's avatarRedStang

Quote: Originally posted by Emilie on May 21, 2013

There are going to be less Players in the beginning of the Jackpot cycle,so it won't the 100 Millionen point by about  20 drawings so it could take over 26 weeks to have a Jackpot winner maybe even 39 weeks,so what are they gaining if they only will have one big Jackpot a Year for 1 Billion Jackpot.

It is total ludicris what the MEGA Millions Lottery wants to accomplish by incrising the ODDS of winning ,I will boycot the MEGA Million Game completely!!!!!!!!

LOL. Imagine being Winner of the Year. I will play all 15 golden balls and win all the time.

RJOh's avatarRJOh

I noticed Tuesday MM jackpot went from $12M to $15M instead of its normal $13M.  Could it be that this announcement that the good old day of easy picking will end in October be causing players to spend more before they end?

redhot7's avatarredhot7

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on May 22, 2013

I noticed Tuesday MM jackpot went from $12M to $15M instead of its normal $13M.  Could it be that this announcement that the good old day of easy picking will end in October be causing players to spend more before they end?

Jumping from 12M to 15M is not that unusual. Last time it happened was from Sept 14 to Sept 18 2012, May 8 to May 11 2012 and Jan 27 to Jan 31, 2012.

Kumo's avatarKumo

You know as they say, "If it ain't broke..."

I'd like for them to just leave the game alone. MM is doing just fine as the "standard game" with PB as the "premium game".

CLETU$

Quote: Originally posted by Kumo on May 22, 2013

You know as they say, "If it ain't broke..."

I'd like for them to just leave the game alone. MM is doing just fine as the "standard game" with PB as the "premium game".

I Agree!

jackpotismine's avatarjackpotismine

I think they should give it a 6 month trial run. If it doesn't result in more profit for everyone, then return it back to it's original format.

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by jackpotismine on May 22, 2013

I think they should give it a 6 month trial run. If it doesn't result in more profit for everyone, then return it back to it's original format.

They already know the change is supposed to mean more profit for the states, no one ever said it would mean more profit for every one.

rcbbuckeye's avatarrcbbuckeye

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on May 22, 2013

They already know the change is supposed to mean more profit for the states, no one ever said it would mean more profit for every one.

Yeah. They aren't interested in profits for players. They are interested in profits for themselves.

Players sometimes forget that. Including me.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by Kumo on May 22, 2013

You know as they say, "If it ain't broke..."

I'd like for them to just leave the game alone. MM is doing just fine as the "standard game" with PB as the "premium game".

That's like saying the states should have never produced a $!0 0r $20 scratch card. 

Thanks to PB its abundantly clear that there is a market for higher priced draw games.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by rcbbuckeye on May 22, 2013

Yeah. They aren't interested in profits for players. They are interested in profits for themselves.

Players sometimes forget that. Including me.

Jackpot games sell tickets because of "jackpots" and smaller prises dont matter as much.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by CLETU$ on May 22, 2013

I Agree!

Thumbs Up Good idea, but progress and competition demand change.

CinCin

This is very disappointing as I'd been playing MM quite regulary for awhile now, but I will NOT be playing on a regular basis with these types of odds......I might invest a dollar or two when the jackpot is very , VERY high, but I can't feel myself going into a buying frenzy like I'd been doing with unusually high jackpots...The odds are just too high for me to feel I'd even have a chance...

grwurston's avatargrwurston

Quote: Originally posted by CinCin on May 22, 2013

This is very disappointing as I'd been playing MM quite regulary for awhile now, but I will NOT be playing on a regular basis with these types of odds......I might invest a dollar or two when the jackpot is very , VERY high, but I can't feel myself going into a buying frenzy like I'd been doing with unusually high jackpots...The odds are just too high for me to feel I'd even have a chance...

I Agree!   I used to play $10 a draw back when it first started, but I would never win anything. So I thought, why bother. Now I

wait for the jackpot to pile up and I get 3 lines with the megaplier. But not till it hits at least 400 mill, and even then I don't

play every draw. It's not that I'm cheap, but I have a little better chance with the Pick 3...  Big Grin

SLOYAROLE

I'm not a regular lottery player. I'll buy a few tickets for high jackpots such as the recent MM and PB drawings. I typically don't bother playing a few lines unti the $100 million mark. Having said that; I think the new 5/75 + 1/15 format will keep me from playing - even at $100 million and up draws.

Reason being: Matching 5/56 is <snip> near impossible; adding 19 more numbers to pick from is overkill. Pretty negligent.

I play to win the 5+1 prize. The new format would make my few dollars per year seem irrelevant in the big scheme of things. I don't care for the PB $2 lines and my 1 line in this last giant drawing will back me up on that comment. I bought 5 lines for the big MM drawing.

Those who think casual players (like me) won't/don't notice changes like this are fooling themselves. I'll probably never win a huge jackpot because I don't play enough. With a matrix like 5/75 + 1/15 coming, I'll play even less than I do now...if at all. Come October, my few dollars will most-likely go to Hot Lotto (even though I hate computerized drawings).

Oh, and $4 dollar lines are completely out of the question. Some of the people on this forum should just whip out their checkbook and make donations directly to your states' lottery commission and skip the ticket buying.

This post has been automatically changed by the Lottery Post computer system to remove inappropriate content and/or spam.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by SLOYAROLE on May 22, 2013

I'm not a regular lottery player. I'll buy a few tickets for high jackpots such as the recent MM and PB drawings. I typically don't bother playing a few lines unti the $100 million mark. Having said that; I think the new 5/75 + 1/15 format will keep me from playing - even at $100 million and up draws.

Reason being: Matching 5/56 is <snip> near impossible; adding 19 more numbers to pick from is overkill. Pretty negligent.

I play to win the 5+1 prize. The new format would make my few dollars per year seem irrelevant in the big scheme of things. I don't care for the PB $2 lines and my 1 line in this last giant drawing will back me up on that comment. I bought 5 lines for the big MM drawing.

Those who think casual players (like me) won't/don't notice changes like this are fooling themselves. I'll probably never win a huge jackpot because I don't play enough. With a matrix like 5/75 + 1/15 coming, I'll play even less than I do now...if at all. Come October, my few dollars will most-likely go to Hot Lotto (even though I hate computerized drawings).

Oh, and $4 dollar lines are completely out of the question. Some of the people on this forum should just whip out their checkbook and make donations directly to your states' lottery commission and skip the ticket buying.

This post has been automatically changed by the Lottery Post computer system to remove inappropriate content and/or spam.

I recently increased my MM lines to 30 per draw and if tickets were $4. I would drop back to 10 lines per draw and spend $40 instead of $30. But only if the odds are the same or BETTER.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by CinCin on May 22, 2013

This is very disappointing as I'd been playing MM quite regulary for awhile now, but I will NOT be playing on a regular basis with these types of odds......I might invest a dollar or two when the jackpot is very , VERY high, but I can't feel myself going into a buying frenzy like I'd been doing with unusually high jackpots...The odds are just too high for me to feel I'd even have a chance...

I Agree! Such long odds would give me a very dismal feeling.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by CLETU$ on May 22, 2013

I Agree!

       Thumbs Down

veganlife125's avatarveganlife125

Hi to you miracleplay and thanks!  I've been vegan now for 4 years love it.  Back on topic though:  MegaMillions will rock with the first billion dollar lottery muhahaha!  PowerBall will cry "FOUL" and have to follow suit!

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by SLOYAROLE on May 22, 2013

I'm not a regular lottery player. I'll buy a few tickets for high jackpots such as the recent MM and PB drawings. I typically don't bother playing a few lines unti the $100 million mark. Having said that; I think the new 5/75 + 1/15 format will keep me from playing - even at $100 million and up draws.

Reason being: Matching 5/56 is <snip> near impossible; adding 19 more numbers to pick from is overkill. Pretty negligent.

I play to win the 5+1 prize. The new format would make my few dollars per year seem irrelevant in the big scheme of things. I don't care for the PB $2 lines and my 1 line in this last giant drawing will back me up on that comment. I bought 5 lines for the big MM drawing.

Those who think casual players (like me) won't/don't notice changes like this are fooling themselves. I'll probably never win a huge jackpot because I don't play enough. With a matrix like 5/75 + 1/15 coming, I'll play even less than I do now...if at all. Come October, my few dollars will most-likely go to Hot Lotto (even though I hate computerized drawings).

Oh, and $4 dollar lines are completely out of the question. Some of the people on this forum should just whip out their checkbook and make donations directly to your states' lottery commission and skip the ticket buying.

This post has been automatically changed by the Lottery Post computer system to remove inappropriate content and/or spam.

"I'm not a regular lottery player. I'll buy a few tickets for high  jackpots such as the recent MM and PB drawings."

It's not the occasional players that they will be depending on to make this work, it's the regular players who regularly put a few dollars on the games regardless the jackpot amount.  Your occasional dollars or two when the jackpot get large will always be there if the jackpot is large enough.

Down's avatarDown

so once they make the change all the combinations get re-set. to 0 out of 200,000,000 (or whatever it is) so all the tracking people have been doing for this game for years watching past draws and whatnot they will have to throw it all out and start all over.  Didn't relly read the whole post, did they say anything about bigger starting jackpots?

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on May 22, 2013

I noticed Tuesday MM jackpot went from $12M to $15M instead of its normal $13M.  Could it be that this announcement that the good old day of easy picking will end in October be causing players to spend more before they end?

I think that's exactly what's going to happen.

Players will buy a few extry tickets now before they cut back or quit when it goes into "one chance in a gazillion" mode.

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Quote: Originally posted by Down on May 22, 2013

so once they make the change all the combinations get re-set. to 0 out of 200,000,000 (or whatever it is) so all the tracking people have been doing for this game for years watching past draws and whatnot they will have to throw it all out and start all over.  Didn't relly read the whole post, did they say anything about bigger starting jackpots?

Yeah, 15 million instead of 12 million.

SLOYAROLE

Then, I guess I'm not understanding the reasoning behind the re-format. It's not like MM is producing a jackpot winner every couple of draws. If this is all about being the first game to produce a $1 billion jackpot, then I get it. At the end of the day, I just don't see this as an "improvement" to the game. The way i see it, the smart player will sit out until the jackpot reaches their threshold. With matrix they've decided on, I can easily sit out until 3 or 4 hundred million before buying a line or two. I'll let you guys build the one-billion-dollar jackpot. It'll be good for the state and the lottery commissions, but the players will realize that 5/75 + 1/15 is just too unreasonable.

veganlife125's avatarveganlife125

Im really surprised at the reaction to this change from most of the regulars here that i've read for years.  For us gamblers to play the greedy, jealousy, envy card when we are trying to win a gazillion dollars we didn't work for is unbecoming haha!  Let's show a little more libertarian spirit!  However, if i'm wrong in 6 months or so and they change it back i'll say "hey fella's (and gals...wink!) im wrong". 

Seriously though, the motive for any business is profit but that is achieved by serving the needs of the customers.  If you don't do it someone else will.  Players want larger jackpots at lower prices sorta like Walmart.  It achieves the only 2 MAIN objectives.  More money for THE GOVERNMENT and THE JACKPOT WINNER.  Only the smallest percentage of players think about prizes in tier 2 thru 5. 

Don't believe it?  If 30 people on a huge lottery win the second tier prize of $200,000 how many paid the extra dollar to win $1,000,000 hmmm?  Thats right. Hardly none.  No ones "playin" for second.  Anyway, the only reason its taking longer to get to "where its going to go" is that this thing is being run by government beauracrats instead of business capitalists (like the brilliant owner of this websiteBig Grin) and changes move slowly through the system.

Where do i see this thing going?  Not sure of the exact order but..........

1.  Minimum jackpot of 100 million.

2.  All ticket prices to stay at $1 a play.

3.  Overall odds of hitting the jackpot about 1 in 300 million. (Instead of (1 in 175 mil) or (1 in 258 mil).

4.  MegaMillions and Powerball will merge into one game.  They will call it (MegaBallBanana or PowerMillionsNaughty)

5.  Draws will be on Tuesday's and Friday's only (Got to milk the masses on Friday afternoon payday while they still have some money in their pocket!Jack-in-the-Box)

Any Questions?

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Quote: Originally posted by veganlife125 on May 23, 2013

Im really surprised at the reaction to this change from most of the regulars here that i've read for years.  For us gamblers to play the greedy, jealousy, envy card when we are trying to win a gazillion dollars we didn't work for is unbecoming haha!  Let's show a little more libertarian spirit!  However, if i'm wrong in 6 months or so and they change it back i'll say "hey fella's (and gals...wink!) im wrong". 

Seriously though, the motive for any business is profit but that is achieved by serving the needs of the customers.  If you don't do it someone else will.  Players want larger jackpots at lower prices sorta like Walmart.  It achieves the only 2 MAIN objectives.  More money for THE GOVERNMENT and THE JACKPOT WINNER.  Only the smallest percentage of players think about prizes in tier 2 thru 5. 

Don't believe it?  If 30 people on a huge lottery win the second tier prize of $200,000 how many paid the extra dollar to win $1,000,000 hmmm?  Thats right. Hardly none.  No ones "playin" for second.  Anyway, the only reason its taking longer to get to "where its going to go" is that this thing is being run by government beauracrats instead of business capitalists (like the brilliant owner of this websiteBig Grin) and changes move slowly through the system.

Where do i see this thing going?  Not sure of the exact order but..........

1.  Minimum jackpot of 100 million.

2.  All ticket prices to stay at $1 a play.

3.  Overall odds of hitting the jackpot about 1 in 300 million. (Instead of (1 in 175 mil) or (1 in 258 mil).

4.  MegaMillions and Powerball will merge into one game.  They will call it (MegaBallBanana or PowerMillionsNaughty)

5.  Draws will be on Tuesday's and Friday's only (Got to milk the masses on Friday afternoon payday while they still have some money in their pocket!Jack-in-the-Box)

Any Questions?

I'm not a vegan but all the rabbits and squirrels in the holler are.

And it don't seem to make 'em taste any healthier.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by rdgrnr on May 22, 2013

I think that's exactly what's going to happen.

Players will buy a few extry tickets now before they cut back or quit when it goes into "one chance in a gazillion" mode.

I Agree! Id rather go back to buying $20 scratch tickets.

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on May 23, 2013

I Agree! Id rather go back to buying $20 scratch tickets.

Oh, I can't do those $20 instant loss tickets.

One time I went into a rage and flipped over the whole display rack of Cheezy Poofs.

Ronnie316

MM should take lessons from PB and go BIG........

Uff Da!'s avatarUff Da!

It will be back to the state lotto for me except when the jackpot is unusually large.  I rarely play Powerball since the price change, either.

Toronto

Quote: Originally posted by veganlife125 on May 23, 2013

Im really surprised at the reaction to this change from most of the regulars here that i've read for years.  For us gamblers to play the greedy, jealousy, envy card when we are trying to win a gazillion dollars we didn't work for is unbecoming haha!  Let's show a little more libertarian spirit!  However, if i'm wrong in 6 months or so and they change it back i'll say "hey fella's (and gals...wink!) im wrong". 

Seriously though, the motive for any business is profit but that is achieved by serving the needs of the customers.  If you don't do it someone else will.  Players want larger jackpots at lower prices sorta like Walmart.  It achieves the only 2 MAIN objectives.  More money for THE GOVERNMENT and THE JACKPOT WINNER.  Only the smallest percentage of players think about prizes in tier 2 thru 5. 

Don't believe it?  If 30 people on a huge lottery win the second tier prize of $200,000 how many paid the extra dollar to win $1,000,000 hmmm?  Thats right. Hardly none.  No ones "playin" for second.  Anyway, the only reason its taking longer to get to "where its going to go" is that this thing is being run by government beauracrats instead of business capitalists (like the brilliant owner of this websiteBig Grin) and changes move slowly through the system.

Where do i see this thing going?  Not sure of the exact order but..........

1.  Minimum jackpot of 100 million.

2.  All ticket prices to stay at $1 a play.

3.  Overall odds of hitting the jackpot about 1 in 300 million. (Instead of (1 in 175 mil) or (1 in 258 mil).

4.  MegaMillions and Powerball will merge into one game.  They will call it (MegaBallBanana or PowerMillionsNaughty)

5.  Draws will be on Tuesday's and Friday's only (Got to milk the masses on Friday afternoon payday while they still have some money in their pocket!Jack-in-the-Box)

Any Questions?

Explain to me how this will bring more money? The reason PB worked was even with lower ticket sales (which there was, in fact, a drop in # of tickets sold for each equivalent jackpot level vs. the old game), they still made more sales/revenue because the ticket price doubled. This does none of that. Jackpots will grow slower, thereby doing what MM has been doing all year until reaching $190 million (which isn't that high in relative terms) recently - that is being won continually at lower jackpots because the jackpots grow so slowly.The starting jackpot isn't that much more attractive ($15 million) compared to what it already is. Powerball, almost through the entirety of the time it's been cross-sold & under the $2 matrix game, has been a higher jackpot thereby taking away sales from MM (you can go look at sales for MM and they have been terrible outside of the record jackpot); you used to see ~$20 million sales on the $12 million starting jackpot.

So again, how will this bring in more money? The one time a year that the jackpot is able to reach a level where they sell $175.7 million in unique tickets and it still rolls over (due to 258.9 million odds)?

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by Toronto on May 23, 2013

Explain to me how this will bring more money? The reason PB worked was even with lower ticket sales (which there was, in fact, a drop in # of tickets sold for each equivalent jackpot level vs. the old game), they still made more sales/revenue because the ticket price doubled. This does none of that. Jackpots will grow slower, thereby doing what MM has been doing all year until reaching $190 million (which isn't that high in relative terms) recently - that is being won continually at lower jackpots because the jackpots grow so slowly.The starting jackpot isn't that much more attractive ($15 million) compared to what it already is. Powerball, almost through the entirety of the time it's been cross-sold & under the $2 matrix game, has been a higher jackpot thereby taking away sales from MM (you can go look at sales for MM and they have been terrible outside of the record jackpot); you used to see ~$20 million sales on the $12 million starting jackpot.

So again, how will this bring in more money? The one time a year that the jackpot is able to reach a level where they sell $175.7 million in unique tickets and it still rolls over (due to 258.9 million odds)?

"Explain to me how this will bring more money?"

They don't have to bring in more money to make more money, they just have to pay out less of what they bring in and by upping the odds and elimination 0+1 payouts of $2 they will accomplish that.

DC81's avatarDC81

Quote: Originally posted by yoho on May 21, 2013

Probably. It's called inflation.

Has nothing to do with inflation.

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