I need the experts to help me here.Prev TopicNext Topic

• JustMaybe

  

  us
  Member #228,334
  January 2, 2023
  1,495 Posts
  Offline
  Apr 8, 2025, 5:44 pm

  ▲▼
  In response to hypersoniq

  Quote: Originally posted by hypersoniq on Apr 7, 2025

  Personally, I like option 2 the best. It is more convenient than option 1,  and even if you have the same numbers for a week, they will be drawing different ones.

  In my personal view, I don't like option 3 because you in no way significantly reduce the odds by playing 7 different combos for just one draw, and you miss 6 other draws. I have learned that with these jackpot games, one ticket is enough, and if I were to buy 2 for the same draw, am I not essentially betting against myself?

  7 chances at one event with millions of possible combos vs. 1 chance at 7 events... I would go option 2.

  Best of luck whichever way you decide.

  Thank you for your perspective.

  I have in the past tried all approaches with varied results.

  I have played everyday and not won a dime for weeks on end.

  I have bought 10 tickets on one draw and won nothing.

  I have played one ticket for 20 multi draws and won nothing.

  However, like they say in investment finance - "past performance is not indicative of future results."

  I guess we keep on exploring 😁

  I believe winning the lottery jackpot is a 💯 % factor of luck.

  May Fortuna, goddess of chance or lot vindicate me.
• JustMaybe

  

  us
  Member #228,334
  January 2, 2023
  1,495 Posts
  Offline
  Apr 8, 2025, 5:52 pm

  ▲▼
  In response to KY Floyd

  Quote: Originally posted by KY Floyd on Apr 8, 2025

  "I actually feel the better approach is to look at the chances as opposed to probability "

  Perspective and semantics can turn it into a very long discussion, but they're (extremely close to) the same thing. Since the probability advantage of playing all of your chances on a single drawing is extremely small when the number of chances is extremely small relative to the possible combinations let's ignore it for a moment. Suppose you have the option to buy seven $1 tickets for a game with 70 million possible combinations or one $7 ticket for a game with 10 million possible combinations, and both games offer the same size jackpot. You have 7 times as many chances to win the first game, but you have exactly the same chance/probability of winning.  You do get 6 more chances to win after the first ticket loses,  but at the same time you have 6 more chances to be disappointed  as you check each loser. What actual advantage do you get by having more chances?

  "I could as well let them do that for me with the full cash amount "

  The "advantage" of the annuity is that interest is earned on the full, pre-tax cash value, so the annual interest is more than you'd get by investing  your after-tax net from taking the c ash up front. That's great if you want a lot of money invested or want to leave a big inheritance to somebody. The downsides are that the big games  mostly have a sliding scale annuity that starts off by paying less than 2% of the total prize, and that if you want to spend more than the after-tax net of the early annual payment(s) you'll need to borrow money. And even if you're in your 20s there's a chance you'll die early or be incapacitated  before you've been able to enjoy more than a modest fraction of the prize. I think the huge houses and expensive cars so many people fantasize about are ridiculous, but there are lots of other things  people might want without having to save up or borrow money.

  "you miss 6 other draws "

  That's what the lottery wants to hear. People that have to be in it, despite the low odds of winning or the balance between risk and reward are the reason MM  thinks it's safe to start charging $5 per ticket.

  Thank you for your perspective.

  As the current jackpots stand, I would not even spend the 500K a year from the annuity.

  Spending 20K a month is so much for me to fathom.

  I know there are people that can spend 100K a month on consumer goods and I respect that.

  After all it's about choices and personal preferences.

  I believe winning the lottery jackpot is a 💯 % factor of luck.

  May Fortuna, goddess of chance or lot vindicate me.
• JustMaybe

  

  us
  Member #228,334
  January 2, 2023
  1,495 Posts
  Offline
  Apr 8, 2025, 5:55 pm

  ▲▼
  In response to ethanl

  Quote: Originally posted by ethanl on Apr 8, 2025

  Option 1: One QP ticket daily (different numbers each day)

  • Pros:

    • Maximizes number variety across the week.

    • Spreads your plays across 7 independent draws.

    • Gives you 7 chances to win smaller prizes or hit the jackpot.

  • Cons:

    • Requires daily action unless you automate it.

  • Probabilistic Note: You're covering 7 different number sets across 7 independent draws—highest "coverage" of outcomes over the week.

  ---

  Option 2: One QP ticket for a 7-day multi-draw (same numbers every day)

  • Pros:

    • Set-it-and-forget-it: low effort, simple.

    • You’re effectively “repeating” the same bet 7 times—if you believe in lucky numbers or patterns, this appeals emotionally.

  • Cons:

    • You're "banking" on a single number set to win in 7 attempts.

  • Probabilistic Note: Mathematically identical in chances, but if the numbers hit, they could hit big. Emotionally satisfying if you believe in persistence.

  ---

  Option 3: Seven QP tickets for one draw day (all in the same draw)

  • Pros:

    • Maximizes the number of entries for a single draw—boosts chance of winning something on that draw day.

    • Could be more exciting to check all results at once.

  • Cons:

    • Only one draw per week, so you’re putting all your eggs in one basket.

  • Probabilistic Note: Still 7 chances, but if that draw doesn't go your way, the whole week is a bust.

  Bottom Line (Probability-wise):

  All three give you 7 independent chances at the same odds—so none of them is better in pure probability terms.

  But in practice, here's how to choose:

  • If you want more excitement and daily engagement → Option 1 is best.

  • If you prefer simplicity and a "set it and forget it" style → Option 2 is most convenient.

  • If you enjoy the thrill of one big drawing with multiple entries → Option 3 gives you that burst of anticipation.

  It is true that every option has its pros and cons.

  I feel sometimes one needs to incorporate all of them at different times.

  When the jackpots are a billion plus, we are all in with serious purchases.

  When amounts are low, we hope around.

  Bottom line is to keep it fun I guess.

  I believe winning the lottery jackpot is a 💯 % factor of luck.

  May Fortuna, goddess of chance or lot vindicate me.