Lottery

[cal828]

So did everyone buy a lottery ticket yet? I thought about it, but concluded I'll just leave it alone. I don't think people from small states like Arkansas have much of a chance. Always seems to be won in bigger states and I think that probably makes sense. More population probably means more ticket sales which probably increases the chances of it being won in a bigger state. I have played it before. Generally for ten or twelve dollars, but I think I'll pass this time. Now watch. Someone from Arkansas is sure to win now that I said that.

[JolyB]

I think that a person who buys a lottery ticket in Arkansas has just as much of a chance of winning the jackpot as a buyer in California (naturally, it is more likely that someone from Cal will win because there are many more tickets sold there). Unfortunately, that chance is something like 302.6 million to one.

We horseplayers talk about a takeout at the track that makes it very difficult to show a wagering profit. The "takeout" from all of the various lottery programs is much, much more prohibitive than any track. And that's before you have to deal with the various taxing authorities who want a share of your winnings.

I didn't buy any either. My wife is the eternal optimist even though she understands that the odds against winning are staggering.

[Indian Hemp]

no riskit....no bizkit....

[DonGuido]

I'd play more if the odds were better. Too many people in a America with illusions of grandeur for me. Every once in awhile I do get a wild hair and spend a few bucks on a couple of numbers. The older I get though, my wild hairs are getting harder to find.