Do you buy tickets even when the jackpot isn't high?

Reply #64

Win$500Quick — Thu, 26 May 2016 16:38:06 GMT

I play every drawing. I don't care what the jackpot is. I just want to be a lottery winner in my lifetime.

Reply #63

ArizonaDream — Thu, 12 May 2016 01:31:59 GMT

You could play every MM drawing for a year for $104.

If I counted right, you could have played 4 lines in every drawing over $120,000,000 in 2015 for the same amount.

I'm starting to come around to the only above $100m way of thinking, instead of every game.

Not that I wouldn't be thrilled beyond words with the MM starting 15mil.

Reply #62

rcbbuckeye — Wed, 11 May 2016 01:35:11 GMT

Screw that subscription. I like to pick my numbers for each draw.

Reply #61

myturn — Tue, 10 May 2016 11:53:56 GMT

You can also play by yearly subscription, at the New York Lottery's website, or by mail.

Reply #60

KinG666BLaZe — Mon, 09 May 2016 01:47:00 GMT

thanks for the welcome and I live in the terrible(unless you're rich) state of florida. I had dreams of movin to cali up until last night lol. But dont forget the 25% that goes to the feds before taxes. I got my numbers from the usa mega jackpot analysis then I used a free tax site to see how much would be left. I honestly want the big jackpots so I can build a dream home/estate/mansion and 2. So I can make love to most beautifulest, exspensivest woman money can attract Im 24 man its not my faul... [ More ]

Reply #59

Think — Mon, 09 May 2016 00:17:41 GMT

I've been playing in 4 different decades now and the lotteries keep getting ungrateful and jacking up the odds.

Now I will only play Powerball if the jackpot gets up to $600 mil or $750 mil because of the new prize matrix and odds.

If the odds were way better I'd probably start playing at $65 mil or $80 mil. I used to kick into Mega Mil at 65 to 80 but since they changed their

matrix I now wait until it hits $120 mil.

As far as the other Michigan games I look at what the... [ More ]

Reply #58

TheMeatman2005 — Sun, 08 May 2016 18:59:27 GMT

First....welcome to Lottery Post

Second...Even if you lived in NYC where we have the highest percentage of taxes on lottery winnings, you would still end up with around 52% (after all taxes). So, since the cash value of the current Mega Millions jackpot is $98 mil, 52% of that would net around $51 mil

It's not a lot compared to the historic $1.5 bil jackpot, but it isn't chump change either.

I'll take it gladly

Reply #57

KinG666BLaZe — Sun, 08 May 2016 17:40:51 GMT

Im new to the forum but after last night's win I've decided to use more of this website. It's crazy how I felt this morning. Seeing that all the local gas stations had set the prize in the window for powerball at 40 mill. I had to look twice but yea I play all draws. I would hate to have a set of numbers I normally play hit and I miss out because the prize was to low lol Luckily the megamill is sitting just over 43 mill after all taxes so that will keep me going. Its not the F* you money that la... [ More ]

Reply #56

Stack47 — Sun, 08 May 2016 17:19:01 GMT

Why would the chance that the jackpot will be won have any relevance to whether or not I should play?

My remarks were about players being called cheapskates for not buying tickets for the approximately 11% of the drawings when the jackpot is not won.

But to answer your question, people don't have to justify their playing strategies unless they are questioned after saying their strategy is the best. I wasn't suggesting waiting until the jackpot reaches a certain amount before buying ticket... [ More ]

Reply #55

KY Floyd — Sun, 08 May 2016 16:28:59 GMT

I understand that reasoning, but I don't think that's what stack is thinking about. Maybe it's just how we're thinking about things. A bigger jackpot and an increased chance of a winner are related, but it's the bigger jackpot that makes playing more sensible not the increased chance of a winner. Ideally you'd bet it all on the biggest jackpot before it resets, but it's not that simple. Waiting and playing for a really huge jackpot may sound like an ideal strategy, but there are two big problems... [ More ]

Reply #54

ArizonaDream — Sun, 08 May 2016 13:56:12 GMT

Waiting for the odds to favor having a winner, may be a good strategy because that's the point where the jackpot is likely to top out. If you only want to spend $50 a year on PB tickets, may as well try to target the 25 highest PB jackpots. Or aim to take 2 tickets on the 12 highest.

Reply #53

Slick Nick — Sun, 08 May 2016 12:16:54 GMT

Yes I play regardless of the jackpot size. And I'd be just as content with 10 million , as I would with 100 million.

Reply #52

Funtimz — Sun, 08 May 2016 11:22:15 GMT

It seems there has been a winning ticket (or two or so) for that jackpot.

Reply #51

KY Floyd — Sun, 08 May 2016 00:14:07 GMT

The current cash value is $269.7 million and about 2.14 times smaller than the $577 million each of the three winning tickets get.

$577 million is the imaginary amount they would have gotten by taking the annuity and waiting 29 years for it to trickle in. The two winners that have come forward (like the vast majority of winners before them) chose the cash value and got just under $328 million.

The only affect the cash value or payments is the obvious; higher jackpots create higher ticket... [ More ]

Reply #50

Stack47 — Sat, 07 May 2016 23:49:33 GMT

The odds against I mentioned are the only 11 drawings producing a jackpot winner out of the 104 PB drawings in 2015. This means only 10.57% of all the drawings in 2015 produced jackpot winners.

Some people say you can't win if you don't play which is true, but the results show there were 93 drawings in 2015 and 35 drawings so far in 2016 with no jackpot winning tickets. I don't think it's an insult for the jackpot chasers to say do the math or see anything intelligent about calling them cheap... [ More ]

Reply #49

Stack47 — Sat, 07 May 2016 21:47:04 GMT

My chances of winning depend only on how many tickets I buy. 1,2, or 102 tickets give me the exact same chance of winning whether 200 million other tickets are sold or I'm the only one that bought any tickets.

The number of tickets you purchase only contribute to the total wagers. Did you miss where I said the odds of a jackpot being won are a ratio of all wagers in one drawing compared to the number of possible outcomes?

As more tickets are sold there's an increased chance that the jackpo... [ More ]

Reply #48

Lucky Loser — Sat, 07 May 2016 15:34:13 GMT

So, it looks like both MoneyMike$ and KY Floyd also share the same resolve. The the notion of waiting to play based purely on more money while there's still no guarantee, or, increased chance of winning actually intrigues me. Except for those players who cannot afford to play regularly, which is cool, I'm kinda seeing where others may be missing the mark in terms of playing. I think that playership frequency works with the opportunity to win, or, win something at a high rate. But, then there's t... [ More ]

Reply #47

Candy-Lane — Sat, 07 May 2016 14:57:58 GMT

You wrote, Are some players cheapskates as they were called in your thread for not buying tickets in every drawings or do they just better understand the odds against a jackpot being won and wait until the percentages favor a winner?

Yes, they are cheapskates!

I suppose that there's nothing wrong with being a cheapskate, if that is the type of person you want to be. Just admit it. No need to justify.

There is no need to insult others by either implying that they are stupid or, tha... [ More ]

Reply #46

MoneyMike$ — Sat, 07 May 2016 07:19:04 GMT

Yes. Why not? it's the same odds and still a nice payout. It's always worth it to try and get 5 of 5 on the mega or powerball

Reply #45

KY Floyd — Sat, 07 May 2016 06:10:03 GMT

or do they just better understand the odds against a jackpot being won and wait until the percentages favor a winner?

Anyone who waits to play just based on the probability of the jackpot being won either doesn't understand probability or isn't very good at thinking.

My chances of winning depend only on how many tickets I buy. 1,2, or 102 tickets give me the exact same chance of winning whether 200 million other tickets are sold or I'm the only one that bought any tickets. As more tickets... [ More ]

Reply #44

Stack47 — Sat, 07 May 2016 02:57:11 GMT

Then, there are players that feel it's just not worth dropping the paper to win, what is it now, $40-$50M minimum?

And there are players who know it's unlikely the jackpot will be won when sales are between 12 and 15 million tickets and the argument of playing for the secondary prizes only applies when spending an extra buck on Powerplay. Are some players cheapskates as they were called in your thread for not buying tickets in every drawings or do they just better understand the odds against... [ More ]

Reply #43

rcbbuckeye — Sat, 07 May 2016 02:50:59 GMT

I'll drop $3 on Daily 4 to try to win $10,400. So, a couple bucks on MM, PB, and Tx Lotto are surely worth it. Instant retirement. Yes, the odds are much higher, but it ain't easy hitting 1 in 10,000 odds either.

Reply #42

Lucky Loser — Sat, 07 May 2016 00:21:36 GMT

This is but one of the reasons I really enjoy hanging out here. If you're honestly curious and engaged with people's way of thinking and doing things, then you're bound to see something you've hashed out over the years. Back in 2012, I started the following thread on a very similar topic:

https://www.lotterypost.com/thread/244751 (I'm pretty excited in that conversation so bear with me.)

I may have missed where a similar thread or two may have been discussed since then but, I'm glad t... [ More ]

Reply #41

Candy-Lane — Fri, 06 May 2016 23:17:39 GMT

I play five lottery games twice a week, every week, regardless of the jackpot size.

I do this for two reasons: 1) I would be more then happy winning the starting jackpot (or second prize) for PB MM and; 2) I would not feel right about sitting back waiting for the jackpot to grow really big and then walk in and purchase the winning ticket, not having contributing anything along the way.

I can understand those who can't afford to play on a regular basis and, they save up to play when the j... [ More ]

Reply #40

Stack47 — Fri, 06 May 2016 18:47:42 GMT

I usually wait until ticket sales suggests it's more likely the jackpot is won. Based on sales the last drawing had about a 20% chance of a jackpot winner. The next drawing should be over 50% so now is the time for me to buy tickets.

IMO, nothing wrong with purchasing tickets for every drawing, but it's better than having no chance to win in the last 18 drawings.

Reply #39

Kingofearth — Fri, 06 May 2016 00:22:56 GMT

Only when it gets above $150 million at the bare minimum. I usually won't but it until it gets above $200 million.

Reply #38

TheMeatman2005 — Thu, 05 May 2016 19:59:30 GMT

Reply #37

Funtimz — Tue, 03 May 2016 09:51:05 GMT

Yes...Because even One Million would help towards a new beginning ....

Reply #36

weshar75 — Tue, 03 May 2016 03:49:45 GMT

I started playing the lotto and going to the casino when I was 21 in 1996 and in november of this year it will be 20 years of gambling for me. I have tried to cut back on my ticket buying though like $7 trio tickets for state and national tickets like mega millions and powerball. I like to go to the casino too every couple of months. In fact I will be playing my $100 on lotto this month in may and going to the casino this saturday for slots penny slots and breakfast buffet. It is my only vice th... [ More ]

Reply #35

noise-gate — Mon, 02 May 2016 20:11:14 GMT

l never leave.. That starting jackpot could get me over the hump.

Reply #34

TheMeatman2005 — Mon, 02 May 2016 17:21:05 GMT

Time to buy tickets. The jackpot is climbing

Reply #33

PrisonerSix — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 02:12:18 GMT

I buy Powerball, Lotto, Easy5, and MegaMillions tickets twice a week. If I win small amounts, I buy additional tickets. I win small amounts here and there, but I have high hopes.

Reply #32

myturn — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 03:37:30 GMT

I play Massachusetts Megabucks Doubler by subscription, so I am included in all draws for a year, irrespective of the jackpot. I like the convenience of subscriptions.

Reply #31

hearsetrax — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 20:05:44 GMT

you have to forgive JJ , his brain is still working off windows 1.1

Reply #30

sully16 — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 15:32:10 GMT

Reply #29

xstreamgaming15 — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 07:18:02 GMT

I buy a $2 powerball ticket almost every wed sat if I have single one dollar bills. Even winning the $40,000,000 starting jackpot is good enough you'd get about twenty million after taxes.

Reply #28

rcbbuckeye — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 23:35:41 GMT

LOL.

Yeah. I quit feeding the troll a while back.

Reply #27

jjtheprince — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 18:19:30 GMT

Neither, winners can win at will.

They can just wake up one day and decide I'm winning the jackpot today! and BAM! it happens.

Reply #26

maximumfun — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 21:17:55 GMT

That sounds like a good idea. I've shied away from the multi-draw - but going 2x/week has lost its appeal - so I believe I shall go monthly (8 to 10 draws per month

Reply #25

SoleWinner21 — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 17:34:11 GMT

Either trolling or off your meds.

Reply #24

jjtheprince — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 17:04:49 GMT

The bad thing is that future winners of bigger lotteries play when jackpots are smaller and lose on purpose just to mock us. They know they can win at will and choose not to do so until the pot is bigger.

Reply #23

JoshUK — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 13:38:41 GMT

Not really, I tend to lose my 'lottery fever' after a big draw has happened 50m+ so the 12m starting prize doesn't interest me so I end up not playing for a few draws, it never really got back up there last month (Feb) so I never played, hoping it does get back up there as I wouldn't mind playing again!

Speaking of getting back up there, I have just checked and the Euro is it 38m so if I remember, I will buy a ticket

Reply #22

JAMORA — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 06:01:31 GMT

No ...the odds are so bad, that I'd rather spend the $ on p3 p4 or cash5....I'll get a qp or two when the JP gets over 200 mil

Reply #21

Candlelight777 — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 19:35:52 GMT

I play PB/MM and hoosier lottery every week...like others i use advance play so only have to buy once a month. I study the past winning numbers and pick a set for each game and see how it plays out for the month...then i do the same process all over again for the next month.

Reply #20

savagegoose — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 04:02:50 GMT

back in the day i played every draw, but when they increased the odds here to 1 in 40 mill to win the powerball, i decided to wait for a $10M pot. just because it starts at $2m basically i dont want to encourage them.

Reply #19

TheMeatman2005 — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 03:19:56 GMT

Yes, multi-draw is even available on quick pick tickets as well as self pick.

Reply #18

Dreaming Gemini — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 02:06:27 GMT

Never tried it, but can you do a quick pick on a multi-draw

Reply #17

TheMeatman2005 — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 01:37:10 GMT

Yes, multi-draw is available in NY. I usually don't get that and buy single-draw QP tickets.

Channeling my positive energy to these jackpot amounts. Om

Reply #16

Dreaming Gemini — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 23:45:26 GMT

Can't you do multi-draws in New York? I usually do a multi-draw for the same numbers for PB and MM for ten draws each. 30 bucks and I'm good for 5 weeks for both lotteries.

Reply #15

travelintrucker — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 18:52:51 GMT

I am a devout lottery player. I play all over the country. I try to get in every draw. However, some times I can't get to some states. I'm in every MM and PB draw.

Reply #14

GGStarlings — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 18:05:31 GMT

I have a friend in the UK who plays EuroMillions, and I have helped him with picking numbers. If I lived over there I would definitely be playing EuroM regularly. I like those pairs / stars . Kinda fun.

Reply #13

JoshUK — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 17:38:20 GMT

Nope, not really. I usually start playing when the EuroMillions is at around 40m.... it starts at like 12m, it would get too expensive to play every draw plus I lose my 'lottery fever' after a big JP has been one so I pretty much have zero interest for a while until it gets back up there.

Plus I never win anything, not even the minimum prize so I never get to reinvest my 'winnings' haha.

Reply #12

cbr$ — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 15:34:31 GMT

If I'm traveling to a state that has a lottery, I'm going buy Jackpot tickets. No, matter what the size of the jackpot is.

Reply #11

dallascowboyfan — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 14:57:43 GMT

Heck yeah I would take $15 million or $40 million

Reply #10

BobP — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 14:02:27 GMT

It hardly matters seeing as how the bigger the jackpot the more likely it will be shared. I don't even look at the jackpot, if I cared I wouldn't also play the Fantasy 5.

BobP

Reply #9

zephbe — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 13:12:14 GMT

I'm hoping for a million dollar win from MM or PB--try to have a ticket in every draw.

Reply #8

chopperman8238 — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 09:19:25 GMT

all on Autopilot...8 times a Month

Reply #7

OldSchoolPa — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 04:22:36 GMT

I play every drawing thanks to online subscription in Illinois. I do make sure that I invest far more in my IRA and 401k since I believe winning the lottery is a pipe dream.

Reply #6

GGStarlings — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 04:07:51 GMT

Size of jackpot holds no significance to me. If it's a game I study, I have to keep up on it, and that means writing out the lines. You know what they say about practice....

Reply #5

rcbbuckeye — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 04:02:15 GMT

Gas money? At $1.49 a gallon? Dang. The grocery store is less than a mile from my house and I actually drive by it going to work. The c-store where I usually buy my tix is a mile down the road out of the way, but I like buying my tix there.

I'm in every draw simply because even 2nd prize is life changing. Plus I play my state's lottery games too.

Reply #4

IJustWannaWin — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 03:47:38 GMT

Definitely not into spending gas money on 1:300 mil odds every week. This time however since there was such a media frenzy over the billion jackpot win, I figured hell even if I took a cash value of 40 million that's more than enough to change my life and I figured if I won I'd fly under the radar. I normally don't play until 300 million. ...maybe tonight is my night

Reply #3

lulu1feather — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 19:29:55 GMT

I start playing PB when its $60M or higher, and MM when its higher than or near to the PB jackpot (Played MM last night... Won $1! WOO haha) . I am usually only getting one or two tickets a week when jackpots are lower.

Reply #2

music* — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 18:16:00 GMT

Here in California, I play advance play mode. $20.00 worth of plays for each game. Power Ball and Mega Million. I do not have to visit the store again and again.

Even winning $1 million would change my life.

Reply #1

SoleWinner21 — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 17:49:09 GMT

Buying every draw means that I have to go to the store ever week and have enough cash. Only when it gets over a $100 + then I buy.

Do you buy tickets even when the jackpot isn't high?

TheMeatman2005 — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 17:14:28 GMT

Are you a regular player? You don't care if the jackpot is $40 mil or $400 mil., but feel you have to be in it to win it. Or, do you just buy tickets when you remember to stop for them when the jackpot starts climbing