Mega Millions getting boring

Reply #79

visiondude — Thu, 12 Jun 2003 20:23:49 GMT

at $115 million, mega-mi

Reply #78

Todd — Thu, 12 Jun 2003 13:32:07 GMT

Quote: Originally posted by CASH Only on June 12, 2003 Todd: Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but it seems that at lower levels PB grows faster, but above a certain amount, MM has bigger rolls.Good point, that's why I want TX to join MM. Just think:Start jackpot at $15 MillionBigger rolloversTake the oppy to change the number pools to generate more (and better) lower-tier prizes

Reply #77

CASH Only — Thu, 12 Jun 2003 10:00:38 GMT

Todd:Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but it seems that at lower levels PB grows faster, but above a certain amount, MM has bigger rolls.

Reply #76

Todd — Thu, 12 Jun 2003 09:52:20 GMT

Personally, I consider the actual number of times that a jackpot is greater than $95 million to be the number of times it was greater than $95 million. Your initial point was hinting that Powerball somehow had an edge when looked at from your perspective. My point is that no matter which point of view you take, Mega Millions has had more jackpots greater than $95 million, and if that is your definition of an exciting game, then Mega Millions is more exciting.

Reply #75

CASH Only — Wed, 11 Jun 2003 16:10:06 GMT

Todd:Personally, I would consider only the amount that the jackpot was WON at (when consecutive draws are counted in the same game, it would indicate a slower growing game.)IOW, if Super-6 (PA) got to $95 million, how big/small would the rolls be

Reply #74

Todd — Wed, 11 Jun 2003 16:04:12 GMT

Quote: O

Reply #73

CASH Only — Wed, 11 Jun 2003 14:26:47 GMT

Todd:Maybe you are counting CONSECUTIVE draws (ie, a $100 million drawing, if it rolls, the next drawing, etc).

Reply #72

Todd — Wed, 11 Jun 2003 11:17:40 GMT

Quote: Originally posted by CASH Only on June 07, 2003 RJ: Well, how often has it been $95m since MM replaced Big Game?Counting this Friday, the Mega Millions jackpot has been greater than $95 million eight times since the game changed formats. In that same timespan, Powerball was greater than $95 million seven times. Which one is more exciting

Reply #71

CASH Only — Sat, 07 Jun 2003 17:47:01 GMT

RJ:Well, how often has it been $95m since MM replaced Big Game

Reply #70

RJOh — Sat, 07 Jun 2003 17:31:13 GMT

With a $95M jackpot, Megamillions is starting to get interesting.RJOh

Reply #69

CASH Only — Sun, 25 May 2003 12:11:05 GMT

Konane:If lottery players pushed hard enough, NY and Mass. would change their ways. I can't do it alone.

Reply #68

konane — Sun, 25 May 2003 12:07:57 GMT

Quote: O

Reply #67

CASH Only — Sun, 25 May 2003 11:40:07 GMT

Vermont is finally joining Powerball July 1; Maine probably is not far behind.

Reply #66

CASH Only — Sat, 24 May 2003 05:06:41 GMT

Konane:I don't think US lotteries will stop advertising annuity jackpots, unless a Federal law is passed mandating all prizes be paid in lump sum.

Reply #65

RJOh — Fri, 23 May 2003 22:31:11 GMT

Every state that has a maga lottery game, has pick3's, pick4's, pick5's and a smaller jackpot game like a 6/49 which have better odds and smaller prizes and the maga jackpot games still bring in more players when the jackpot get large. There are people who will only play the lottery when there is a $50M+ jackpot to be won and if the state want their money, they need a game like Powerball or Megamillions with an extra large jackpot amount. It might be greed, but you got to give the people what... [ More ]

Reply #64

konane — Fri, 23 May 2003 19:07:45 GMT

Quote: O

Reply #63

AnnuityIsGreat — Fri, 23 May 2003 18:43:54 GMT

I'd suggest Megamillions to pay 10% of the jackpot in cash value and 90% in annuity payments. That would solve a lot of headache.

Reply #62

CASH Only — Fri, 23 May 2003 17:31:18 GMT

Konane:Fair enough. However, you probably wouldn't want the NY Lottery head.

Reply #61

konane — Tue, 20 May 2003 23:33:13 GMT

You can have her

Reply #60

CASH Only — Tue, 20 May 2003 23:26:31 GMT

Konane:Rebecca Paul should come to NY. Maybe she would listen to NY lottery players instead of insurance companies.

Reply #59

konane — Tue, 20 May 2003 21:55:27 GMT

I simply believe they have

Reply #58

lottoscorp — Tue, 20 May 2003 20:05:59 GMT

You can't snatch 5 balls ye

Reply #57

CASH Only — Tue, 20 May 2003 19:49:48 GMT

RJ:MM just hasn't been able to create even a $200 million jackpot (let alone $500 million) in the year+plus since MM replaced Big Game. It's debatable whether we should wait for MM sales to improve, or alter the game already.

Reply #56

RJOh — Tue, 20 May 2003 19:40:26 GMT

05/20/03 Megamillions estimated cash value$22,388,076.00 - or state will invest this amount in an annuity that will pay $36M over the next 25 years. You can buy a chance to win for $1What is boring about this?RJOh

Reply #55

RJOh — Mon, 19 May 2003 19:28:31 GMT

Megamillions is structured to generate large jackpots and can not do that with better odds. States can change thier state lotteries to attract those players who are willing to play for smaller jackpots with better odds. Some players will alway play the games with the bigger jackpots even if they have to travel to another state regardless of the odds. Ohio has been disappointed with the Megamillions, but not with the odds but the sizes of the jackpots, so it not likely the odds are going to

Reply #54

CASH Only — Mon, 19 May 2003 14:23:00 GMT

Konane:Actually, NY has a third-term GOP governor (Pataki) although he's probably not conservative by your standards.The other lottery that is as bad (probably worse) in terms of forcing winners to receive annuity payments is Mass.; I know what you're going to say about THEIR politics (yet their governor is GOP, and Mormon).Connecticut, which borders both states, isn't much different politically, but, their lottery is MUCH BETTER (and is partly run in the private sector).

Reply #53

konane — Mon, 19 May 2003 11:27:17 GMT

I believe the

Reply #52

CASH Only — Mon, 19 May 2003 10:19:01 GMT

Konane:I have sent numerous e-mails to the NY Lottery about the annuity-only scratch games. The NY Lottery is giving in to insurance companies who want to make money off of players' winnings. It's one thing to offer a Win for Life -type game, where someone can collect for the rest of their life (a cash option cannot easily determined). It's another thing for a lottery to pay roughly $650,000 to buy a $1 million, 20-payment annuity WITHOUT offering the winner the $650,000 or so as a cash opt... [ More ]

Reply #51

konane — Mon, 19 May 2003 10:06:19 GMT

Cash only ANNUI

Reply #50

CASH Only — Mon, 19 May 2003 00:42:05 GMT

Konane:While you may be critical of the Georgia Lottery, be thankful you don't live in NY. Our Lotto 6/59 game returns to players a ridiculously low 38-40%. Lotto and MM players (within NY) still must make the cash/annuity choice when they PLAY, instead of after they win. Finally, most of our $5 and higher scratch games have ANNUITY-ONLY top prizes.

Reply #49

konane — Sun, 18 May 2003 21:19:31 GMT

Quote: Originally posted by CASH Only on May 18, 2003 Konane: MM is run jointly by the 10 states that offer the game, so, the Georgia lottery director is hardly to blame.The NY Lottery had much more to do with the change from Big Game to MM, since NY (and Ohio) were added when MM began. NY's large population base was the biggest factor in the longer odds of MM vs Big Game. Fully understand that. Big Game was BEGUN and drawn in Illinois, then the headquarters of it transferred later to GA under... [ More ]

Reply #48

CASH Only — Sun, 18 May 2003 19:58:56 GMT

Konane:MM is run jointly by the 10 states that offer the game, so, the Georgia lottery director is hardly to blame.The NY Lottery had much more to do with the change from Big Game to MM, since NY (and Ohio) were added when MM began. NY's large population base was the biggest factor in the longer odds of MM vs Big Game.

Reply #47

konane — Sun, 18 May 2003 17:03:47 GMT

I'm in favor of GA get

Reply #46

CASH Only — Mon, 12 May 2003 10:08:06 GMT

Saturday (5/17) is the first anniversary of the initial MM drawing.

Reply #45

CASH Only — Sat, 10 May 2003 12:20:57 GMT

smd:MM could use a MegaPlay . Ohio might have a PowerPlay option next time they replace its Lotto.

Reply #44

smd173 — Sat, 10 May 2003 11:55:35 GMT

Man that's ugly. MM only goes up $5 Million from $20 Mil to $25 Mil? And there isn't even a holiday this week (unless you want to count Mothers Day).

Reply #43

CASH Only — Fri, 09 May 2003 18:39:34 GMT

At least Mass. winners of MM have 60 days to decide whether to take the lump sum, but NY winners cannot change their minds.

Reply #42

AnnuityIsGreat — Fri, 09 May 2003 18:16:09 GMT

Here you go again cash starting the rally.So, you register for Match.Com yet.

Reply #41

CASH Only — Fri, 09 May 2003 18:15:19 GMT

Nothing is more boring than posts by AnnuityIsGreat .

Reply #40

AnnuityIsGreat — Fri, 09 May 2003 18:13:01 GMT

Agreed. People should move to Mass to play the fabulous 6/42 or 6/49 Lottos. Much better Sen$e.

Reply #39

CASH Only — Fri, 09 May 2003 17:42:53 GMT

I think most of us can agree that PA Super-6 is even more boring than Mega Millions.

Reply #38

CASH Only — Thu, 08 May 2003 20:19:51 GMT

I suppose most who have played both MM and Powerball prefer PB, even without the PowerPlay option.Perhaps the new Texas game will get boring fairly soon (unless they get a quick 55-60 million pot) since matching only the bonus ball is a losing ticket.

Reply #37

CASH Only — Mon, 05 May 2003 05:44:34 GMT

John:It's happened numerous times in pick-5 games.

Reply #36

RJOh — Tue, 29 Apr 2003 20:55:18 GMT

A few years ago, there was a couple in Cincinnati that won the Ohio lottery with two tickets, but it was due to a mix-up. They played their kids' and grandkids' birthdates and each thought it was their responsible to buy the tickets, so each bought tickets that won. Neither had to split their winnings with their spouse.RJOh

Reply #35

JAP69 — Tue, 29 Apr 2003 20:27:03 GMT

Quote: Originally posted by CASH Only on April 28, 2003 John: Losing is less boring when there is a huge jackpot on the line. You hope no one else wins it either.When a jackpot gets that large how many players buy the same number combinations more than once to get a bigger prize share. I have not read of a winner that had more than one winning ticket yet.

Reply #34

CASH Only — Mon, 28 Apr 2003 23:48:09 GMT

John:Losing is less boring when there is a huge jackpot on the line. You hope no one else wins it either.

Reply #33

JAP69 — Fri, 25 Apr 2003 15:22:09 GMT

Players get bo

Reply #32

CASH Only — Fri, 25 Apr 2003 15:08:01 GMT

TG:Keeping the 6/42 (and scrapping the 6/49) probably would work, provided again you offer the cash option *and* change the 3/6 prize from a free ticket to $3.

Reply #31

tg636 — Fri, 25 Apr 2003 15:00:39 GMT

>Cash option? Of course...but I would replace BOTH the 6/42 and 6/49 with a _single_ jackpot game (perhaps 6/47 or 6/48).I'm all for dumping 6/49 MassMillions, but they should keep Megabucks 6/42 as it is. If they had a single game with even worse odds than Megabucks, I would give it up and only have a Mega Millions season ticket. After all, if I'm going to lose against impossible, absurd odds, I might as well do it going for $20 - 100 million and a jackpot that grows by a lot each time, and not... [ More ]

Reply #30

AnnuityIsGreat — Thu, 24 Apr 2003 17:41:16 GMT

what good are your points above cash

Reply #29

CASH Only — Thu, 24 Apr 2003 16:07:05 GMT

TG:Cash option? Of course...but I would replace BOTH the 6/42 and 6/49 with a _single_ jackpot game (perhaps 6/47 or 6/48).I would emphasize the LOWER prizes; perhaps $4000 by matching 5/6, $125 with 4/6; $5 for a 3/6 match.To simplify the game, there would _not_ be a bonus number. (Tri-State is a lifeless game; I would get ME to join Powerball Hot Lotto .)The last idea might take up too much computer space. I'd give ALL season-ticket holders an equal chance REGARDLESS of how many matched n... [ More ]

Reply #28

tg636 — Thu, 24 Apr 2003 15:23:36 GMT

I know the Mass Megabuck MassMillions aren't generating the jackpots or attention they used to - probably due to a ban on advertising and the much, much larger Megamillions jackpots. I think to the average person odds of 1 in 5 million or 1 in 135 million are almost equally remote, so why not go for the really big money? If Mass really is one of the best run lotteries they should know it's time to make a few changes to kick some life into them. Cash option for jackpots.Double all lower prizes,... [ More ]

Reply #27

CASH Only — Thu, 24 Apr 2003 14:46:46 GMT

AIG:Mass. will offer cash options on their (current) 6/42 and 6/49 games before the Red Sox win the World Series

Reply #26

AnnuityIsGreat — Thu, 24 Apr 2003 12:28:36 GMT

and both states have great pick 6 games. Too bad NY has the cash option.

Reply #25

CASH Only — Thu, 24 Apr 2003 06:19:38 GMT

At least Mass. and NY have Mega Millions.

Reply #24

AnnuityIsGreat — Wed, 23 Apr 2003 15:46:25 GMT

Two best state lotteries are run in the following:1) New York2) Massachusettes

Reply #23

CASH Only — Tue, 22 Apr 2003 15:22:51 GMT

Jeeves:Ohio is considering a multiplier if they replace their current 6/49 game, so, I guess MM also could try a powerplay option. Doubt it though. The multipliers for Powerball are 2x, 3x, 4x, and 5x.Powerball's odds had been 1 in 80m; now it's 1 in 120m.

Reply #22

askjeeves — Tue, 22 Apr 2003 15:10:25 GMT

I wonder if it's feasible for MegaMillions to bring in powerplay option as well. What's the most you can win with powerplay option. Is it 9 times the prize?If I had a choice between Powerball and MM, it'd be Powerball. I believe the overall jackpot odds are about 1: 80M right

Reply #21

CASH Only — Tue, 22 Apr 2003 15:05:34 GMT

RJ:True. Powerball's appeal starts below $100m because of the PowerPlay option.

Reply #20

RJOh — Tue, 22 Apr 2003 14:50:41 GMT

The Megamillions game will become most interesting when the jackpot is over $100M. With those kinds of odds, only a big jackpot amount can attract players interest.RJOh

Reply #19

CASH Only — Mon, 21 Apr 2003 20:33:27 GMT

If TX joins, maybe they'll hike the odds again...the same could be said for Powerball should TX join MUSL.

Reply #18

CASH Only — Mon, 21 Apr 2003 14:13:43 GMT

Rebeckah:Dawn Nettles won't like it, but dventually, TX will be part of a multi-state game, most likely Mega Millions.Both MM and PB have been wooing TX into joining.

Reply #17

Rebeckah — Mon, 21 Apr 2003 14:08:59 GMT

I think the more states that enter into the powerball or MM games will increase the jackpot size. Eventually there might be a national lottery with humongeous jackpots. Like a billion dollars. Imagine that. Wasn't that a twilight zone episode? It'd be a cool reality show to see how somebody's life would change.

Reply #16

CASH Only — Sun, 20 Apr 2003 17:53:53 GMT

TG:The higher the jackpot, the more likely there are office lottery pools, etc where people aren't playing solo.

Reply #15

tg636 — Fri, 18 Apr 2003 14:05:14 GMT

But does anyone need a $500 million prize? Or doyou agree that no one needs it, but just think it would be exciting to see? It can easily happenwith the present setup I'm sure...there are lotsand lots of unpicked numbers for each drawing,all they need is to choose them 20-30 times in arow. I'm sure it'll happen. Hopefully after Iwin a modest $32 million tonight. I'd rather seepeople win regularly than have no winners forweeks on end and $400 million jackpots.

Reply #14

CASH Only — Fri, 18 Apr 2003 13:37:53 GMT

Jeeves:Sure, but you virtually kill any chance of a $500 million jackpot.

Reply #13

askjeeves — Fri, 18 Apr 2003 11:50:01 GMT

I like the idea of MM lowering the Jackpot odds to under 100 M.

Reply #12

CASH Only — Wed, 16 Apr 2003 17:06:30 GMT

To my suggestions above, add: start the jackpot at $15 million.

Reply #11

CASH Only — Wed, 16 Apr 2003 16:54:06 GMT

I think you CAN make the Mega Millions even harder to win AND make it a more interesting game:add three balls on the top (5/55) but remove three numbers from the bottom (1/49)...longer jackpot odds but ALSO better overall oddskeep lower tier prizes as is (perhaps increase second prize to $200,000)lengthen the annuity to 30 payments (almost everyone takes the cash anyway

Reply #10

tg636 — Wed, 16 Apr 2003 14:50:21 GMT

It is interesting that the jackpots have been hit well below the $500 million levels predicted,but I do not advocate making the absurd oddseven more absurd. I think it's better to spread the wealth, and you shouldn't let people whobeat the odds make the odds harder for everyoneelse. Who knows, the odds may even up when thejackpot goes above $500 million. I would take the cash if only because I don'tknow what shape the world will be in in 2029. Icare not a bit about maximizing my investments,but... [ More ]

Reply #9

CASH Only — Mon, 14 Apr 2003 10:09:35 GMT

Mega Millions returns 50% to players, while NY Lotto just 40% at most.

Reply #8

megamillionaire — Mon, 31 Mar 2003 01:52:46 GMT

Cash, Cash, Cash,Cash, Cash, Cash

Reply #7

CASH Only — Mon, 31 Mar 2003 01:18:14 GMT

Secret: The Powerball cash option began in November 1997.The two who chose annuity in 1998 probably did so under the old IRS rules, when you had to choose WHEN you played, instead of after you won. IIRC, only a short time later, MUSL allowed Powerball winners to decide _after_ they won.The Kentucky couple who hit last year may have gotten questionable financial advice. Did they know the details of the annuity (the provider, etc)?The amount of the jackpot and/or the player's age shouldn't be a ma... [ More ]

Reply #6

Todd — Sun, 30 Mar 2003 23:24:09 GMT

Quote: O

Reply #5

rundown99 — Sun, 30 Mar 2003 22:52:51 GMT

Whether to take the cash or annuity depends (in my opinion).....If the jackpot was within 10 or 14 million for powerball, and the winner was younger than 30 but had no investment experience with that kind of money, then I could understand the move to annuity. That is probably why Joe and Lili Anderson of Kentucky took the annuity option in June last year even though they could have taken the cash. Now that I think about it, they are the only ones who took the annuity last year. Furthermore,

Reply #4

CASH Only — Sat, 29 Mar 2003 15:45:01 GMT

Mega Millions will ALWAYS have a cash option...NOBODY would want the stinkin' annuity

Reply #3

AnnuityIsGreat — Sat, 29 Mar 2003 15:39:56 GMT

CashO Mac,I gotta hand it to you. I kinda like the new format.. 5/55 + 1/49 Mega Ball. I ABSOLUTELY love the idea of making the annuity payments to 30 from 26 and raising the minimum jackpot. You know what you're talking about. I'd add one other thing: NO LUMPSUM OPTION! like the good old jackpot lottery days.You're right on

Reply #2

CASH Only — Sat, 29 Mar 2003 15:07:33 GMT

RJ: My proposal has BETTER odds of winning _any_ prize, since there are 49 Mega Balls vs 52. Adding three numbers on the top makes the jackpot odds longer. (There would still be 104 balls.

Reply #1

RJOh — Sat, 29 Mar 2003 15:04:25 GMT

Any lottery game is boring to the losers, but it's the losers that create the larger jackpots. Adding more numbers will just create more chances to lose for the losers and the losers will be even more bored when someone wins a even larger jackpot. The Powerball had a nice jackpot size last Christmas under its new set-up and it's jackpot still climbs faster than the MM jackpot with the better odds.RJOh

Mega Millions getting boring

CASH Only — Sat, 29 Mar 2003 14:27:35 GMT

Mega Millions will be a year old in May (when Ohio and NY joined the Big Game group.)The long jackpot odds and expanded player pool fueled speculation (including on this website) that a $500 million jackpot was inevitable. However, there has yet to be a $200 million MM jackpot (despite a $330+ million Big Game prize the month before MM began.)I propose a new version of Mega Millions to take effect immediately after Labor Day: **5/55 + 1/49 (longer jackpot odds, but overall chance of winning be... [ More ]