Hello All,
So I've received a reply from the MA lottery that frankly, didn't leave me with a warm feeling inside, or a feeling that they really understood what I was trying to say.. so I replied back and gave it another shot... here's the text for anyone interested.... the Lottery's reply is the middle message.
Ms. W****,
Thank you for your reply, I would like to comment in hopes that it assists the lottery..
The confusion with Mega Millions, in my opinion, is not in how to place the bet for a mega millions ticket.. but rather in the fact that Mega Millions shares it's name with the two 6 digit games that MA offers, namely Mass Millions, and Megabucks. When I ask for a Mass Millions quick pick, I get a Mega Millions quick pick.
Please be aware that every time I've asked for a Big Game ticket I've received what I asked for. So once again, please understand that it's not the mechanics of inputting the order that is in question, but rather the poor choice on a similar name to update the Big Game. As I understand that the Big Game is multi state, the MA lottery commission may have had limited say in the name change, however the lottery commission should have full control over the Mass Millions and Megabucks games, which as I stated in my previous email, are too similar and "out dated" when compared to games such as Hot Lotto, which is available in NH.
I only offer this as my view points, and I understand if the lottery is not in a position to update the Mass Millions or Megabucks games, I would ask, that if possible, the lottery make some attempt to alert their clerks to be attentive to the requests of the consumer.
I believe that the lottery is providing a great service for both the game players, and the towns that receive the revenue. I wish it the best of luck, in this increasingly tougher market for lottery games.
Thanks for your time and attention,
***The Lottery's reply to my original message***
At 03:03 PM 6/14/02 -0400, you wrote:
Mr. F*******: You are correct that there has been some confusion among
clerks in generating Mega Millions tickets. There will be Mega Millions
stickers available for the key by September. This should eliminate the
problem. Also a new key will be installed on all the terminals by the
first of the year. Since we have already have an on-line game (Mega
Millions) with a lump sum payment, there are no plans at this time to
change the payout on Mass. Millions or Megabucks. Thank you for taking
the time to write. We do appreciate the feedback form our players.
-----Original Message-----
From: ******************************
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2002 2:35 PM
To: Webmaster
Subject: Lottery Games
Dear games official c/o Webmaster:
Note to Webmaster, please forward this email to whoever may address issues with the Mass lottery games of Mass Millions and Megabucks, thank you.
I am writing in regards to a problem I have noticed since the change in the Big Game, and one that I thought we, the consumers, might face. With the change of the Big Game to "Mega Millions", the name which is close to "Mass Millions", I have already run into several clerks who incorrectly sold me quick picks for Mega Millions instead of MA Millions, as I had requested. I do realize that the lottery can't control the focus or attention of the clerks who sell lottery tickets across the Commonwealth, but I propose that someone may want to take a look at this issue.
While looking at that issue, I would also suggest that the lottery may want to change Mass Millions and/or Megabucks so that a lump sum payment is allowed, as in the new NH lottery game Hot Lotto. While I understand the differences of the 6/42 and 6/49 was great a few years ago, I feel, and have heard from several other lottery players, that an overhaul of at least one of the games is needed.
I hope these ideas are not new, but are already being considered. The lump sum option is an attractive one as can be seen by the popularity of Powerball, The Big Game, and Hot Lotto. I'd love to see the MA games updated to compete with these other options.