Anyone else playing Mega Millions?

[Imposter]

It's up to 325 Mil, can't win if you don't play. :greedy:greedy

[PuttPutt]

I'll pay my dumbass tax & drop $10 on it.

[Strike]

My parents play it. I have my Dad get me a ticket once in awhile. Now is one of those "Once in awhile" times.

[PuttPutt]

My parents play it. I have my Dad get me a ticket once in awhile. Now is one of those "Once in awhile" times.


Exactly. I hardly ever play. Only when the winnings are big.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Yeah, I'll be making a donation to the eventual winner today!

It sure would be nice to get even a small piece of the winnings.

[Imposter]

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Undeterred by the miniscule odds, people were lining up Friday for a chance to score the estimated $333 million Mega Millions jackpot.

The odds really are microscopic. You have a one in 175,711,536 chance of winning. That's a 0.0000006% chance.

Still, since tickets are just $1, and the jackpot payout is double the odds of winning, if a person bought all 176 million combinations, he or she would be guaranteed to win at least $157 million.

So playing the Mega Millions on Friday could make sense ... if you could afford to spend $176 million on tickets. Bear in mind, that only works if there is a single winner who doesn't take a lump sum payout.

The 12-state lottery anticipates hundreds of millions tickets to be purchased before the 11 p.m. ET drawing Friday night for what will be at least the third-largest U.S. lottery jackpot of all time. The New York Mega Millions branch said it expects ticket sales to eclipse $1 million per hour starting with the noon hour on Friday.

"This is a huge jackpot," said Jennifer Givner, spokeswoman for the New York Mega Millions. "There's a lot of excitement about it, and we probably made a conservative estimate of the jackpot."

Mega Millions guarantees its jackpot, so it could go even higher, depending on the number of ticket sales. In fact, Mega Millions raised its jackpot estimate by $8 million on Friday based on stronger-than-expected sales.

Sander Sharman, who owns the newsstand on 9th Avenue and 57th Street in New York said Mega Millions sales have been overwhelming. The line for lottery tickets was out the door.

"It's never been anything like this," said Sharman just before 1 p.m. ET on Friday. "We usually do 1,200 sales in a day, and already we have 4,200."

All of that business is good news for retailers like Sharman. Lottery retailers get a 6% commission on all sales and a $10,000 bonus for selling the jackpot-winning ticket.

How it works. After the drawing, the 12 participating states begin to count up their tickets and check to see if there is a match. Winners get about 50% of the pool, with roughly 35% divided between the state coffers and 15% going to lottery retailers and administrative costs.

If there is a winner or multiple winners, the states will likely know by early Saturday morning, according to Givner. If not, the money is returned to the pool and the game continues with an even higher jackpot.

That's been the case for the last 14 bi-weekly drawings -- no one has hit the nail on the head. But some have come close: On Tuesday, 17 Pepsi Bottling Group employees in Albany, N.Y., split a ticket and guessed right on five of the five numbers. But they missed the final Megaball number, and split just $250,000.

The last jackpot winner was on July 7, when a former New York City Transit employee won $133 million. The jackpot then went back to its base of $12 million.

[SonOfAGun]

When is the next drawing?

[Trainwreck2100]

Mega Millions guarantees its jackpot, so it could go even higher, depending on the number of ticket sales. In fact, Mega Millions raised its jackpot estimate by $8 million on Friday based on stronger-than-expected sales.

i was wondering how it went from 325 to 333

[The Franchise]

When is the next drawing?

Tonight, and I just bought 10 tickets. It's worth it just to be able to fantasize about winning if only for a short while. :greedy

[phyzik]

Tonight, and I just bought 10 tickets. It's worth it just to be able to fantasize about winning if only for a short while. :greedy

yeah, me and my buddies all buy tickets and fantasize over a few beers how we would hook eachother up and what we would do with the winnings.

my plan:

Hire a financial advisor (I dont want to blow it away like so many other winners)

drop a few million on Spurs charities.

Hook up Kori and LJ to keep the site going for the long term to ease up on their other financial responsibilities.

Open up a business.

Stay in the same house Im at but really fix it up nice, maybe buy the neighbors property and extend it.

Buy a kick ass trailer or RV from B2B.

take a year or two to travel the united states in said RV then the world with friends, giving them a nice cut of the winnings to quit their jobs and encourage them to open their own businesses.

Buy a getaway house in Ibiza
http://www.mapplr.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/ibiza.jpghttp://www.locasun.co.uk/img_ville/ibiza0.jpg

All of that will probably cost me under 50-75 million, I'd still have quite a bit left to invest, plus have my business bringing in cash (I've got an idea for a bar in San Antonio that hasnt been done yet and Im not telling, I dont want my idea stolen. :lol Lets just say I'd be fucking banking during the summer months :toast)

[benefactor]

356 million on Tuesday.

[Nathan Explosion]

356 million on Tuesday.

Insane how large it is now. You could buy your dream home and not even make a dent in your annual salary (assuming you get the payments which I would).

[jman3000]

Group of 24 people from work each put 5 dollars in last weeks. We won 2 dollars. 8 cents for us all!

[pass1st]

I will, I always buy a ticket when I get gas. Usually just 1-2 dollars, but I do 5 bucks a pop when it's over 100 mil. I once got 4 + mega, came out to a little over 2 grand so I got back what I spent over the years :tu

It hasn't been this high for a long time, though. I might put down 10 when I fill up on monday. If I won that, I'll go crazy with 10 mil and probably invest the rest in property or maybe a hedge fund.

[JoeChalupa]

I'll be throwing down a few bucks this week.

[Gutter92]

That is quite a jackpot...I think it was like 290 for the last one o.o? Imagine if no1 wins this week...it'll go up to like 400 mill lol.

Might get a few tickets...it'd be sick to win all that...

How does the "annual salary" thing work?

[CosmicCowboy]

Insane how large it is now. You could buy your dream home and not even make a dent in your annual salary (assuming you get the payments which I would).

IMHO a person would be nuts to take the payments. In this current low interest and low tax environment you can get $255 million up front instead of the 30 years of payments. Only costs you 100 million gross and you can easily make that and more back over 30 years. Inflation and taxes are guaranteed to go up...cash out now, pay your taxes and all your earnings from here on out get taxed at 15% cap gains rate instead instead of 40%+.

[Phenomanul]

Probably drop a $10 on it tonight...

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

I'll be grabbing a few tickets on the way home from work tonight. If you hear about a guy in Houston who spelled out, "I QUIT", in bags of flaming dog poo in front of his office you'll know who won it.

[Sisk]

Tomorrow the cash value option after tax is nearly $200,000,000

I would be absolutely shocked if no one wins the jackpot... though I've thought someone would win the last few times. Usually when it gets this high a lot more people play and someone wins. I'll be playing.

[Phenomanul]

I'll be grabbing a few tickets on the way home from work tonight. If you hear about a guy in Houston who spelled out, "I QUIT", in bags of flaming dog poo in front of his office you'll know who won it.

It would be a shame for you not to be able to spend that money if you land in jail for attempted arson... :lol

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

It would be a shame for you not to be able to spend that money if you land in jail for attempted arson... :lol

People as rich as I'll be don't do jail. My $1000/hr lawyer will explain that I was exhausted and/or dehydrated, I'll donate some money to whatever fund for firefighters, whatever judge's re-election fund, and maybe do a little community service.

[Frenzy]

That's a whole lotta moola but to much for me..

I'm not greedy. As long as I've got my health, and my millions of dollars and my gold house and my rocket car, I don't need anything else.

[Spurtacus]

Fuck the lottery. Those of you who play are a bunch of pathetic mindless sheep. Work harder and save better.

[benefactor]

Shut up, faggot.

[The_Worlds_finest]

Bitch please only poor white trash cant afford dropping 5 bucks on the lotto every couple months

[Gutter92]

:( got 3/6!

[The_Worlds_finest]

2 numbers.....better then 1!

[Gutter92]

Its up to 476 mill now...

[oh crap]

HOLY SHIT! i didn't get to grab any for tonights drawing, probably throw a 20 on friday's drawing and hope for some luck.

[benefactor]

47 people won 250k last night. Hell, I'd be happy with just that.

476,000,000. Damn that's a big ass number. The lady that works at our business office here usually has a pool going so I'll probably jump in on that as well as buying my own ticket.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

With the cash option a person could walk away with 200 million. Serious "fuck you" kind of money.

[manufan10]

If I won I'd go Scrooge McDuck with my money:

http://cache.abovethelaw.com/uploads/2012/01/scrooge-mcduck.jpg

[benefactor]

...and right on cue she just walked around the building telling everyone she's collecting money. I figured 20-25 people will get in on it. That's almost a cool 10 million a piece after taxes.

Works for me.

[CubanMustGo]

With the cash option a person could walk away with 200 million. Serious "fuck you" kind of money.

Try $341 million (http://www.megamillions.com/).

Yes, I'd love to try, thank you. :king

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Try $341 million (http://www.megamillions.com/).

Yes, I'd love to try, thank you. :king

I'm talking after taxes on the cash option. My understanding of cash option is that it boils down to about 60% of the number listed after taxes. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

If I were to win that my only regret would be that I didn't have more enemies to destroy.

[JudynTX]

I played the LOST numbers. No luck. :lol

[JoeChalupa]

I'll throw a bucks in on Friday.

[Sisk]

In Texas you subtract 25% from the winnings.

After tax, cash value option, you're looking at ~$269,550,000

[manufan10]

In Texas you subtract 25% from the winnings.

After tax, cash value option, you're looking at ~$269,550,000

That's not enough money, tbh.



:wakeup

[Sisk]

I'll be playing again. Definitely would start a trust to collect the funds with... the amount is so high that who knows the number of crazies that would stalk you.

[Sisk]

That's not enough money, tbh.



:wakeup

:lol



BTW the jackpot has already risen by about $15 million since last night. The amount of ticket sales will boost this thing even higher... plus their listed amounts are always conservative.

[mrsmaalox]

I don't invest in the lottery often, mainly because I'm not clear on how all the games work. Is Mega Millions just a straightforward, pick 6 numbers game or does it involve bonus numbers or multipliers or power balls etc. to choose? I'm a little :dizzy with it all.....so the scratch-offs are right up my alley :lol

[Sisk]

I don't invest in the lottery often, mainly because I'm not clear on how all the games work. Is Mega Millions just a straightforward, pick 6 numbers game or does it involve bonus numbers or multipliers or power balls etc. to choose? I'm a little :dizzy with it all.....so the scratch-offs are right up my alley :lol

You choose 5 numbers from the same bank of numbers. Then 1 number (mega ball) in an independent set of numbers. Or you can just go up to the counter and ask for a quick pick cash value option mega millions ticket and it will automatically pick your numbers. Unless you want payments, then ask for that... but payments are stupid.

[CubanMustGo]

I don't invest in the lottery often, mainly because I'm not clear on how all the games work. Is Mega Millions just a straightforward, pick 6 numbers game or does it involve bonus numbers or multipliers or power balls etc. to choose? I'm a little :dizzy with it all.....so the scratch-offs are right up my alley :lol

You buy a quick pick and lose like the rest of us, who cares about the details? :toast

[ididnotnothat]

I'm in a pool with co-workers. So for $5 I get 50 chances.

[benefactor]

You buy a quick pick and lose like the rest of us, who cares about the details? :toast
Exactly. :toast

Actually, the quick picks win most of the time...but that's probably because most people go that route.

[Sisk]

and then you have to split it 50 ways poor sucka-ass chump

Try again...

[Gutter92]

Try again...

:lmao

[manufan10]

.

[Spurtacus]

Shut up, faggot.

So how much did you lose last night? :lol

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

$500 million now. It's tired and outdated but when numbers get so cartoonishly large I have to fight the urge to do the Dr. Evil pinky thing.

[ididnotnothat]

540 million now.

[Sisk]

Nearly $300mm after tax if you choose the cash value option. There might be multiple jackpot winners considering how many tickets will be purchased.

[Blake]

You have a one in 175,711,536 chance of winning. That's a 0.0000006% chance.

So you're saying there's a chance......

[JoeChalupa]

I'm taking that chance.

[Drachen]

our office did a pool. 10 dollar buy in. 240 tickets.

[benefactor]

Ok...did it go up without a draw or am I just missing something? It was 476 after the draw on the 27th(the last listed drawing) and the next one is not until tomorrow night. How did it go up to 540?

[hehateme]

Ok...did it go up without a draw or am I just missing something? It was 476 after the draw on the 27th(the last listed drawing) and the next one is not until tomorrow night. How did it go up to 540?

It has gone up a lot due to the enormous amount of tickets being sold for this one...shit I even saw a 75 year old woman learning from a clerk today how to play thats how much word of mouth has gotten out about it. I bet it may be even higher than 550 by friday night.

[Spurtacus]

So you're saying there's a chance......

KX5jNnDMfxA

[Agloco]

I once did an analysis and came up with a factor of 0.3588. That is for Texas at any rate. It's most accurate for jackpots around 100 million. The error would be about .7% at 550 million. If you multiply the jackpot number on those big signs by that factor you get your take away amount after every entity has had their way with you.

That's what you're really interested in.

EDIT: Valid for lump sum payments only.

[Drachen]

I once did an analysis and came up with a factor of 0.3588. That is for Texas at any rate. It's most accurate for jackpots around 100 million. The error would be about .7% at 550 million. If you multiply the jackpot number on those big signs by that factor you get your take away amount after every entity has had their way with you.

That's what you're really interested in.

EDIT: Valid for lump sum payments only.

quick question are you saying that you multiply the annuitized jackpot by ~36% to approximate the amount you would get if you took a lump sum payment (after taxes)?

[Agloco]

quick question are you saying that you multiply the annuitized jackpot by ~36% to approximate the amount you would get if you took a lump sum payment (after taxes)?

Correct. I did the research on 79 winners. Randomly selected....more or less. Those who took their winnings anonmyously were obviously not included. The rates will be different in different states.

For a jackpot of 540 million, you can expect about 194 million after its all said and done.

Hell, I might actually take a stroll down to the five and dime for a ticket.

[Drachen]

not sure I understand why... the cash option is 389M, minus taxes. What else is removed (in texas)?

[coyotes_geek]

FWIW...

http://www.usamega.com/mega-millions-jackpot.asp

[Drachen]

FWIW...

http://www.usamega.com/mega-millions-jackpot.asp

Yeah, just make sure you save at least 10% for the rest you will have to pay at tax time...

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Latest number: $640 million. This shit is crazy.

[Sisk]

There is a 99.7% chance that at least one person will win tonight.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

As much as I'd love to win it (and I'm definitely buying some tickets after work) a small part of me is curious to see how high it could get on the next round. Pushing a billion?

[DesignatedT]

I better fucking win.

[BlairForceDejuan]

I laugh at the people that talk shit about lotto players. It's like, Hey Jackass...I just dropped $5 dollars and I have a chance to win a billion dollars tonight. What are you going to have a shot at winning from your $5 cheeseburger other than larger man boobies?

[Gutter92]

The way I look at it, I have 50/50 odds

either I win or I don't tbh

[MavDynasty]

Y'all niggas gonna hook us up when you win? :lol

Finna by 5 tix after work today

[The_Worlds_finest]

Ive had the lotto debate with some butt cracks on here. Sure the odds are stacked well against you, however, what are the odds of actually earning this type of money throughout the course of your life? Id say the lotto gives you a better shot. Plus Ill bet you the ones that argue against droping say 35 a year on lotto spend that much a month on other worthless purchases.

[coyotes_geek]

The way I look at it, I have 50/50 odds

either I win or I don't tbh

State lottery commissions love people like you.

[TheSullyMonster]

For 640 million, I'll pay the stupid tax. $2 ain't no thang, tbh.

[FortuneCookie]

If you must play, decide upon three things at the start: the rules of the game, the stakes, and the quitting time. ~Chinese Proverb

Lucky Numbers: 11, 17, 33, 41, 49 Mega Ball 25

[sa_butta]

If a winner is not drawn tonight, the jackpot will climb to nearly $975 million.:greedy

[The_Worlds_finest]

State lottery commissions love people like you.

So what do you spend your disposable income on?

[The_Worlds_finest]

If a winner is not drawn tonight, the jackpot will climb to nearly $975 million.:greedy

Well see a corporation step in and buy all the numbers and pray no one else wins

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

As long as you're not blowing your grocery money on tickets it's a perfectly fine investment. If you win, well that's fucking awesome. If you lose then for the price of a few bucks you've had the chance to dream about what you'd do with a fortune dropped in your lap with a dash of hope mixed in for a few hours. Harmless escapism and cheaper than a movie ticket.

[DPG21920]

So in TX the take home after taxes would be mid-300M, I don't think the 168M calculation earlier was correct.

[DPG21920]

Also if someone wins don't start screaming or broadcast it; people would definitely kill for that type of money...

[The_Worlds_finest]

So in TX the take home after taxes would be mid-300M, I don't think the 168M calculation earlier was correct.

oh, only 300m? nvm then

[DPG21920]

Of course you would need a lawyer and such but as far as it being taxed there is only the federal tax for TX

[silverblk mystix]

fuck it...i'll buy one...

when I win...I'll buy everyone here a brew...cause that's just how I roll...

[silverblk mystix]

i'm going to get some hipster double chocolate beer :toast

well...

I guess I could afford it after I win tonight...

[Slutter McGee]

I can't believe all you stupid people wasting your hard earned money on an almost impossible chance to win big.

And yes, I put in 15 bucks...ten in an 80 ticket pool, and five for my greedy self.

Sincerely,

Slutter McGee

[silverblk mystix]

I can't believe all you stupid people wasting your hard earned money on an almost impossible chance to win big.

And yes, I put in 15 bucks...ten in an 80 ticket pool, and five for my greedy self.

Sincerely,

Slutter McGee

Define...hard earned money...:lol

[Jt.ONE]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/janetnovack/2012/03/30/how-much-tax-will-you-owe-on-540-million-jackpot/

new york resident winners get raped by taxes the most i think

[AmericanPsycho]

Just dropped ten bucks on this. What the hell.

[silverblk mystix]

Just dropped ten bucks on this. What the hell.

Sorry, you are too late...I bought the winner about an hour and a half ago...

Better luck next time,chump.

[SA210]

I threw down 20 on it :downspin:

[CheapBastard]

I told myself to go for it and threw down a Washington tonight.

[oh crap]

NO WINNER! this shit is gonna be absolutely nuts, might be the first billion dollar jackpot!!

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

got 4 numbers right. read that people with 4 numbers got $150 for last weeks.

[Slydragon]

got 4 numbers right. read that people with 4 numbers got $150 for last weeks.

Nice. Did they come out in order of what you had and then miss.

[Gutter92]

Got the moneyball + 1 3x!

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

Nice. Did they come out in order of what you had and then miss.
missed the 1st number which was 2 and got everything else minus the money ball. if i had gotten the money ball i would be getting around 10 grand :greedy. people from last week got 10 grand for 4 with money ball.

[Kori Ellis]

NO WINNER! this shit is gonna be absolutely nuts, might be the first billion dollar jackpot!!

Really? No winner?

It's hysterical that it might be close to a billion dollars.

By the way, I spent $10 and got ONE right (3 x).

[oh crap]

Really? No winner?

It's hysterical that it might be close to a billion dollars.

By the way, I spent $10 and got ONE right (3 x).

at least that's what they announced around 1030 on one of the austin news stations. i've been spreading the word so hopefully i'm not wrong.

[ColinB]

I should have listened to Jim Carrey about that damn number 23.

[InRareForm]

' It will be early Saturday before lottery officials verify whether there are any winning tickets, officials say." -msnbc

[InRareForm]

"We've confirmed that if there is no winner, Tuesday's #MegaMillions jackpot will be $975 million. Just 90 mins until #lotteryon2"

[ColinB]

http://mdlottery.com/640-million-mega-millions-jackpot-hit-in-maryland/

[Pimp my Banner]

3 wiining tickets? One in Kansas?

[Hungry farmer]

3 wiining tickets? One in Kansas?

Maryland, Kansas and Illinois.

[benefactor]

One person in SA and two people in Austin won 250K. The 220+ sets of numbers played in my work pool yielded like 15 bucks. :lol

[BlairForceDejuan]

My puppy ate my lotto ticket! nooooooo

[TDMVPDPOY]

Well see a corporation step in and buy all the numbers and pray no one else wins

this always happen man, fkn syndicate players

[oh crap]

it's that time again.. but this time it's the powerball with the big drawing. Nobody won the 325 jackpot tonight so next drawing jumps up to 425.

[Drachen]

The sister of our IT guy at work just won 24 M after taxes about two weeks ago out in pleasanton.

[benefactor]

Noticed it was getting up there so I'm in again for sure. I'll pick a few up tomorrow.

[lakerhaterade]

The sister of our IT guy at work just won 24 M after taxes about two weeks ago out in pleasanton.
hotdamn

[Drachen]

hotdamn

Yeah, she called him and asked "how much do you owe people?, total that up, add 100k and have that number back to me by tomorrow."

[lakerhaterade]

Which one did she play?

[benefactor]

Hell...I'd be more than happy with the cool million for five out of five.

[benefactor]

Yeah, she called him and asked "how much do you owe people?, total that up, add 100k and have that number back to me by tomorrow."
That good shit right there. I've got a pact with a buddy of mine that I've known since high school on the lotto. 10 million if the payout is over nine figures.

I've got some other people I know that are just barley getting by that I'd help too. Pay off some houses for people, school loans, etc.

[Agloco]

Around 150 million lump sum after tax...not too shabby. I'd be kind of scared with all that at once though.

[DMC]

I make 300+ a year by not playing the lottery.

[DMC]

Yeah, she called him and asked "how much do you owe people?, total that up, add 100k and have that number back to me by tomorrow."

As great as that sounds, it's like winning 2400 and saying "your 5 dollar tab is paid, and here's 10 dollars as a gift".

[DPG21920]

As great as that sounds, it's like winning 2400 and saying "your 5 dollar tab is paid, and here's 10 dollars as a gift".

People like you...never mind.

[mavs>spurs]

you fuck with dmc you gotta problem with me..yeah you'd better think twice and stfu

[Drachen]

As great as that sounds, it's like winning 2400 and saying "your 5 dollar tab is paid, and here's 10 dollars as a gift".

... except that paying off all of one's bills has far greater ramifications for far longer than one night as would be the case in your example.

[Drachen]

Which one did she play?

I don't know. I don't really know much about the lotto so I don't know which kind there are.
I have played 6 times in the 14 years since I turned 18 (including scratch offs). I will probably buy a ticket since it is so high, but I always feel awkward since I don't really know how to order it.

[Agloco]

As great as that sounds, it's like winning 2400 and saying "your 5 dollar tab is paid, and here's 10 dollars as a gift".

Your scale is a bit off no?

[DMC]

Your scale is a bit off no?

No. Both are the same percentage of the total.

[DMC]

... except that paying off all of one's bills has far greater ramifications for far longer than one night as would be the case in your example.

This is true, and if my debt was 5 dollars, it would still be true with my comparison at a smaller scale.

It would be great to have someone pay off your debt (I am debt free but still) and I would not scoff at 100K.

[DMC]

People like you...never mind.
I'm just here to talk basketball.

[mrsmaalox]

I don't know. I don't really know much about the lotto so I don't know which kind there are.
I have played 6 times in the 14 years since I turned 18 (including scratch offs). I will probably buy a ticket since it is so high, but I always feel awkward since I don't really know how to order it.

Yea, I have a real hard time figuring out powerballs, multipliers, megapliers etc. I can barely pick 6 numbers so occ. I'll get a QuikPick, but supposedly those don't ever win anything. They for sure don't ever win anything for me.

[baseline bum]

Around 150 million lump sum after tax...not too shabby. I'd be kind of scared with all that at once though.

So you're saying you would buy kilos of coke with the winnings too? What about the hookers though?

[Gutter92]

So you're saying you would buy kilos of coke with the winnings too? What about the hookers though?

With that kinda money, they better be escorts and not hookers..

[benefactor]

Yea, I have a real hard time figuring out powerballs, multipliers, megapliers etc. I can barely pick 6 numbers so occ. I'll get a QuikPick, but supposedly those don't ever win anything. They for sure don't ever win anything for me.
Actually quick picks win a lot. I used to think the same thing so I looked it up and many of the winners and 5 of 6 payouts were quick picks.

[DPG21920]

:lol Quick picks have the same stasticial chance of winning as picking your own numbers. When you take superstition out of it (which there's nothing wrong with playing your own numbers or believing that), it's all the same.

[mrsmaalox]

Cool, I'll stick with the qp.

[purplengold]

I put down 5 a week fo fun n gotta 3 + mega once.

[baseline bum]

:lol Quick picks have the same stasticial chance of winning as picking your own numbers. When you take superstition out of it (which there's nothing wrong with playing your own numbers or believing that), it's all the same.

It probably has higher payouts too. Playing the lottery is massively stupid already, but even worse is playing all the same numbers 1-31 for birthdays that everyone else does so that you're guaranteed to be splitting the pot with others if your ass actually wins anything.

[Drachen]

I broke down and bought 5 tickets. Jesus Christ, they are 3 bucks a piece. On another note, the ticket said that the pot is up to 500 million.

[oh crap]

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Wednesday's Powerball drawing could be one for the history books, with the jackpot rising to a record $500 million.

The top prize now increases to an estimated $500 million, the largest in the history of the multi-state lottery game. The next drawing will take place Wednesday.

http://money.cnn.com/2012/11/27/news/economy/powerball-500-million.cnnw/index.html?hpt=hp_t4

[Jesus]

I broke down and bought 5 tickets. Jesus Christ, they are 3 bucks a piece. On another note, the ticket said that the pot is up to 500 million.

Yes, I know how much the tickets are.

[Drachen]

Yes, I know how much the tickets are.

I was talking to my gardener, not some carpenter.

[Trainwreck2100]

I broke down and bought 5 tickets. Jesus Christ, they are 3 bucks a piece. On another note, the ticket said that the pot is up to 500 million.
here they are 2 apiece

[benefactor]

here they are 2 apiece
:tu

[Pedobear1]

$2 here, too

sounds like Raj at the 7/11 ur buying ur tickets at is taking some on the side, tbh

[Drachen]

No its 2 bucks, plus a dollar for the powerball (I guess like the multiplier???)

I assumed you had to get that to get the jackpot. (again, I don't know how to place an order for a ticket very well)

[mrsmaalox]

No its 2 bucks, plus a dollar for the powerball (I guess like the multiplier???)

I assumed you had to get that to get the jackpot. (again, I don't know how to place an order for a ticket very well)

I just looked that up because I'm pretty vague on how it all works but I want to get a few tickets today. If I understood it correctly, the extra $1 is a PowerPlay that adds an increased set value to your jackpot.

[Drachen]

I just looked that up because I'm pretty vague on how it all works but I want to get a few tickets today. If I understood it correctly, the extra $1 is a PowerPlay that adds an increased set value to your jackpot.

Do you need it to win the jackpot, or is it only to multiply lesser winnings?

[I. Hustle]

It's to increase your NON jackpot winning prizes. So if you get a few numbers for $100 dollars that extra buck you put in will up your winnings. If you win the jackpot though I don't think it does a damn thing.

[oh crap]

up to 550 now

[mrsmaalox]

Got my tickets! I'll be changing my name from mrsmaalox to Rich Bitch in the morning! :D

[mouse]

Post your numbers


3 6 18 29 36 PB 18

[Slutter McGee]

Post your numbers


3 6 18 29 36 PB 18

Those number suck. You should always pick numbers over 31. It in no way increases your chances of winning, but does increase your chances of not having a split pot. Thanks to all the jackasses who use birthdays for their lotto numbers. Have fun only getting only a 130 million cash option instead of 360 million you loser.

Slutter McGee

Slutter McGee

[Jacob1983]

4 8 15 16 23 42

[benefactor]

Two tickets hit...one in Missouri and one in Arizona...and someone in SA hit for a million.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

...and someone in SA hit for a million.
I hope that was my Dad.

[mrsmaalox]

Got my tickets! I'll be changing my name from mrsmaalox to Rich Bitch in the morning! :D

Nevermind......:depressed

[JudynTX]

:lol

[oh crap]

3 tickets and I got one fucking number!

[Pedobear1]

I bet the guy who has to split 570 million feels like a dumbass...he picked all numbers under 31...what a moron now he has to split it

:lol

[benefactor]

3 tickets and I got one fucking number!
Yup...me too...which is why I never buy more than six bucks worth.

[Cochina]

:dramaquee
Nevermind......:depressed


pfffft!

[oh crap]

big jackpots all around.. 350 million for powerball/ 170 mil for mega millions. get dem tix!

[benefactor]

Ha...I was just about to bump this thread. Powerball is charging two bucks a ticket now so I'm going to roll with the Mega jackpot until someone wins it. Mega draws tomorrow and Powerball draws Wednesday.

[Big Empty]

done. man what i would do if i was rich

[exstatic]

I'm in groups for both at work, although my little 3 person group for MM only kicks in $2 apiece. The 13 person group for PB each kicked in $10.

[oh crap]

powerball up to 360 now and mega rolled again, 190 now.

[Trill Clinton]

just bought $4 worth of powerball and 3 'diamond & gold' $5 scratch offs. won $100 on one ticket:hat

[reason]

I got one number right.

[oh crap]

powerball up to 475 now

[Spur|n|Austin]

I'm in groups for both at work, although my little 3 person group for MM only kicks in $2 apiece. The 13 person group for PB each kicked in $10.

We did a big group at our office too; our company would be screwed for a while if we all hit the big money :lol

[oh crap]

jackpot already growing.. 550 now. who knows by saturdays drawing.

[benefactor]

Rumors of potentially swelling to 700 mil before its all said and done. Got a pretty big pool going at work.

[I. Hustle]

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view1/1142504/tony-montana-o.gifIf I hit that lotto at 700 milli...

[mrsmaalox]

Rumors of potentially swelling to 700 mil before its all said and done. Got a pretty big pool going at work.

Okay ben, you seem to know your lottery shit. Now explain to me EXACTLY in as simple terms as possible, the when, where, and especially the HOW to do these. There are too many games and I just don't have the attention span to figure it out from the lottery site....:lol

[baseline bum]

Okay ben, you seem to know your lottery shit. Now explain to me EXACTLY in as simple terms as possible, the when, where, and especially the HOW to do these. There are too many games and I just don't have the attention span to figure it out from the lottery site....:lol

It's simple. You take a good two dollars, throw it in the shitter, flush, and repeat every week.

[NBAcourtsweatsweeperupper]

Jackpot is now over $600 million.

[benefactor]

Okay ben, you seem to know your lottery shit. Now explain to me EXACTLY in as simple terms as possible, the when, where, and especially the HOW to do these. There are too many games and I just don't have the attention span to figure it out from the lottery site....:lol
Go to a gas station...tell them you want a quick pick(numbers picked by the computer at random) for Powerball...hand the man/woman 2 bucks and he gives you a ticket. Match all five numbers + the power ball and you win.

[mrsmaalox]

Go to a gas station...tell them you want a quick pick(numbers picked by the computer at random) for Powerball...hand the man/woman 2 bucks and he gives you a ticket. Match all five numbers + the power ball and you win.

Well, well. Is that how you do it? I thought you had to pick balls and options and stuff.

And where can I find one of these stores staffed by these man/woman clerks? :)

[benefactor]

:lol

Just finished organizing the work pool. Got 75 sets of numbers. We will see how it goes.

[Drachen]

damn, no one at my work wants to do it this time. I guess I am on my own. I will buy 3 tix I guess.

[CosmicCowboy]

Back when the lottery first started I had a second company that was a finance company and it had about 8 women employees. One woman organized the lottery pool, tracked who owed what, and bought a ticket for every lottery. She kept the numbers in her desk and they all checked them religiously first thing in the morning the next day. It got to be one of those really big ones and they were all excited about it. After they drew the numbers Wednesday night I went out and bought a new ticket (for the next lottery) with the winning numbers on it, then went by that office early (nobody there) before going to my main office and switched the tickets out (they hadn't won anything). I'm told it was quite exciting there for about ten minutes until they realized the date on the ticket was wrong...:lol

[benefactor]

335538977065029634

[Drachen]

Ok I bought a few tix

[benefactor]

Two tickets hit on Mega last night. New Jersey and Virginia.

[oh crap]

welp.. someone won. wasn't me.

[benefactor]

75 sets of numbers...15 bucks. lmao. At least I get to keep it since I organized the pool.

[The Reckoning]

Back when the lottery first started I had a second company that was a finance company and it had about 8 women employees. One woman organized the lottery pool, tracked who owed what, and bought a ticket for every lottery. She kept the numbers in her desk and they all checked them religiously first thing in the morning the next day. It got to be one of those really big ones and they were all excited about it. After they drew the numbers Wednesday night I went out and bought a new ticket (for the next lottery) with the winning numbers on it, then went by that office early (nobody there) before going to my main office and switched the tickets out (they hadn't won anything). I'm told it was quite exciting there for about ten minutes until they realized the date on the ticket was wrong...:lol


holy shit youre a dick

[baseline bum]

Wow, you mean no one here fucking won!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

[oh crap]

powerball up to 300 mil

[benefactor]

Thanks for the heads up. Haven't paid a lot of attention lately. I'll pick up a ticket this evening.

[oh crap]

400 million now

[exstatic]

400 million now

Yeah, but when the pots get this high, the initial estimate is usually low. I'm guessing by Wednesday, it will be at least $450M.

[Spur-Addict]

How many intelligent people do you see hit the lottery? Every time I read about a winner, it's some asshole who blew all the money. Then, there are times when you see some guy from the sticks hit the jackpot, or some bum. If some guy who can barely read wins the this pot, I'm not going to be surprised.

[benefactor]

How many intelligent people do you see hit the lottery? Every time I read about a winner, it's some asshole who blew all the money. Then, there are times when you see some guy from the sticks hit the jackpot, or some bum. If some guy who can barely read wins the this pot, I'm not going to be surprised.
Here lately I've seen more good outcomes. There was one not long ago where the guy was a trucker who was barely supporting his family and had to be gone all the time from them. I've caught The Lottery Changed My Life a couple of times and it only reports people who were in tough spots and really needed the money.

[Spur-Addict]

Here lately I've seen more good outcomes. There was one not long ago where the guy was a trucker who was barely supporting his family and had to be gone all the time from them. I've caught The Lottery Changed My Life a couple of times and it only reports people who were in tough spots and really needed the money.

Well that's good to hear. I guess I always see the stories that show the opposite side of things. I'm glad some less fortunate people are hitting the lotto.

[LarryDavid]

Am I the only one who buys tickets only when the jackpot gets really high? Don't know what it is. $100 million is shit, but $400 million...sign me up.

[benefactor]

Am I the only one who buys tickets only when the jackpot gets really high? Don't know what it is. $100 million is shit, but $400 million...sign me up.
I never buy them when it's low. Anymore than a few bucks every few weeks is a waste. I usually throw something on it when it gets over 200.

[That's Funked Up]

Can you imagine if some old ass lady wins it like that last time. WTF is an 84 year old going to do with over 100 million dollars

[oh crap]

alright ya bastards, up to 425 and climbing. drawing is tonight, gonna grab mine today.

[I. Hustle]

Being the baller that I am, I grabbed 5.

If I win I will buy everyone here a round at a local bar.

[I. Hustle]

NVM I'll just buy (rent) the bar. Then it'll be drinks on me all night.


That's a promise.

[Drachen]

NVM I'll just buy (rent) the bar. Then it'll be drinks on me all night.


That's a promise.

I'll do the same

[benefactor]

400 million on Powerball tonight and 145 million on Mega Millions on Friday. Still time to run and pick one up. I think the cutoff is like 9:30.

[I. Hustle]

1 winning ticket in SC. ONE

[oh crap]

344 million mega millions jackpot. the pot will certainly go up by tuesdays drawing.

[benefactor]

:tu

[man on wire]

Bought a couple tickets today

[Katherine Robinson]

I had bought a small quantity of picks, I feel a stroke of luck after winning a riveting game of minesweeper.

[oh crap]

425 million for tonight!!

[oh crap]

nobody won! 550 million jackpot for tuesday!

[oh crap]

jackpot up to 586 already and likely to climb. cnn reporting estimates that if the jackpot rolls again after tomorrow nights drawing, could reach first billion dollar prize.

[benefactor]

Picking one up today.

[I. Hustle]

I picked up 5.


That's big spending for me

[benefactor]

I picked up 5.


That's big spending for me
:lol

I usually drop a five as well. I only play when it get's up there so no big deal.

[I. Hustle]

:lol

I usually drop a five as well. I only play when it get's up there so no big deal.

Yeah me too. I never put down money unless it gets to about 300 milli. Not that I couldn't use even 300 dollars but I'm not a lotto junkie.

[Chomag]

got 5 tonight GL everyone!

[m>s]

seems that everyone is buying 5...me also

[ashbeeigh]

Just to be different I'm going to buy 4. well that and I'm broke. So it better work .

[Chingo Bling]

Why you broke, mija? With tetas like that you should be bankin'. Come talk to Chingo.

[benefactor]

Up to 636 million now.

[oh crap]

Why you broke, mija? With tetas like that you should be bankin'. Come talk to Chingo.

:lol

must be a slow day cause this made me chuckle.

[Chingo Bling]

I yust dropped $200 on it.

[Katherine Robinson]

I actually hope nobody wins so we can see our first billion dollar jackpot, before deductions.

[Suspect]

lottery doing a good job at keeping the poor poor

[Chingo Bling]

Poor?! I wouldn't advice anyone to drop the feria that Chingo drops. I have it and $200 won't hurt me in the least bit. If I lose, entonces I lose. Pero... if I win! I can double my net worth!

#feriateam

[Suspect]

you're not funny

[Trainwreck2100]

I actually hope nobody wins so we can see our first billion dollar jackpot, before deductions.

i actually hope i win so i can spend the next year drowning in hookers and blow

[The Gemini Method]

i actually hope i win so i can spend the next year drowning in hookers and blow

This. Hookers and Blow and jetsetting this mofuckin world!

[Big Empty]

im in 3 different work pots for about 12 bucks. id hate not to participate and im the only coming to work the next day

[The Gemini Method]

im in 3 different work pots for about 12 bucks. id hate not to participate and im the only coming to work the next day

That's my biggest fear, too. That's why I'm in like 4 pots here at work and like 3 other ones. I'm not coming in if I win but I'll help a few co-workers with a few bucks because they've been cool with me. Other than that--I'm ghost.

[Chingo Bling]

you're not funny

Who is being funny, puto? This thread is about the lotto. Don't get mad to me because you can't afford it.

[Suspect]

Who is being funny, puto? This thread is about the lotto. Don't get mad to me because you can't afford it.
Zzzzz

[Chingo Bling]

Zzzzz

That's cool. You ride the chit out of the high horse.

[Drachen]

Ok I bought two.

[ashbeeigh]

Why you broke, mija? With tetas like that you should be bankin'. Come talk to Chingo.

:lmao and because I chose a career for the love of it and not the money of it.

[benefactor]

221 million tonight. Got a pool going at work.:tu

[baseline bum]

221 million tonight. Got a pool going at work.:tu

I never understood the work pool. I thought the whole point of playing the lottery was to become filthy rich so you never have to work again. But to split a winning ticket between 30 people so everyone gets maybe $3.5 million after taxes from the lump sum in the absolute best case? Just stupid to throw money away. I think I'd rather spend the $1 on a donut or a coke or some shit.

[cantthinkofanything]

I never understood the work pool. I thought the whole point of playing the lottery was to become filthy rich so you never have to work again. But to split a winning ticket between 30 people so everyone gets maybe $3.5 million after taxes from the lump sum in the absolute best case? Just stupid to throw money away. I think I'd rather spend the $1 on a donut or a coke or some shit.

IDK. I get the pool thing although I've never worked with people that have done that.
Something to break up the doldrums at work and to have a group fantasy about them all telling the boss to fuck off if they win.
And you're increasing your chance by 30x. Wouldn't you like to reduce the chances of getting cancer by 30x?

[DPG21920]

I never understood the work pool. I thought the whole point of playing the lottery was to become filthy rich so you never have to work again. But to split a winning ticket between 30 people so everyone gets maybe $3.5 million after taxes from the lump sum in the absolute best case? Just stupid to throw money away. I think I'd rather spend the $1 on a donut or a coke or some shit.

Yes, because turning $1 into 3.5M would surely ruin your day :lol. Also, have fun drinking your Coke and being the only person left in the office without millions because you didn't want to spend $1 extra to be a part of the pool.

[baseline bum]

Yes, because turning $1 into 3.5M would surely ruin your day :lol. Also, have fun drinking your Coke and being the only person left in the office without millions because you didn't want to spend $1 extra to be a part of the pool.

No, I'll be the one in the office with an extra coke instead of being pissed off I lost every week.

[baseline bum]

The whole being so rich you can tell your boss to fuck off is about the only reason one could muster for throwing money away at such ridiculous odds of ever winning. You win $3.5 million and that's a nice nest egg for retirement, but it's not the kind of money where you can go ###### rich and buy Ferraris and spend your days banging strippers in the swimming pool of your mansion.

[cantthinkofanything]

The whole being so rich you can tell your boss to fuck off is about the only reason one could muster for throwing money away at such ridiculous odds of ever winning. You win $3.5 million and that's a nice nest egg for retirement, but it's not the kind of money where you can go ###### rich and buy Ferraris and spend your days banging strippers in the swimming pool of your mansion.

For most people with a boss, $3.5 million is enough to tell the boss to fuck off. It's over 60 years of the average US income. Taxes are already paid on it. Just earning 5% interest, brings you around $120,000 after tax income.

You can't go nigga rich but you can have very nice shit.

[unleashbaynes]

i'd be fine with $3.5m and a modest 250k house with a reasonable car. nobody would know i was secretly loaded.


though i agree the type of person that plays the lottery probably isn't capable of living that life without being tempted to go crazy with spending.

[benefactor]

Yes, because turning $1 into 3.5M would surely ruin your day :lol. Also, have fun drinking your Coke and being the only person left in the office without millions because you didn't want to spend $1 extra to be a part of the pool.
Actually we do a $5 buy in. I'm sitting on 130 sets of numbers for a shot at around 3-4 million for 5 bucks.:tu

[benefactor]

i'd be fine with $3.5m and a modest 250k house with a reasonable car. nobody would know i was secretly loaded.


though i agree the type of person that plays the lottery probably isn't capable of living that life without being tempted to go crazy with spending.
Agreed. I'd likely pay the house off I'm in. I like my neighborhood. I'd be able to get that roided out Trans-Am I've been wanting a little bit sooner too.

[DPG21920]

Nothing stopping you from buying additonal tickets as well (although you would probably have to record you telling everyone these are not part of the pool in case you won and they sue). But the pool, while lowering your payout, also gives you extra tickets for the cost of the $1. So instead of getting your 1 ticket for $1, you get 30 tickets (the size of the pool) for your $1.

It's $1. Who cares. Especially when you only play when the jackpot gets massive like this.

[unleashbaynes]

Nothing stopping you from buying additonal tickets as well (although you would probably have to record you telling everyone these are not part of the pool in case you won and they sue). But the pool, while lowering your payout, also gives you extra tickets for the cost of the $1. So instead of getting your 1 ticket for $1, you get 30 tickets (the size of the pool) for your $1.

It's $1. Who cares. Especially when you only play when the jackpot gets massive like this.

Yup. There's literally no risk involved. More people = more likely to find someone with a horseshoe up their ass.

[cantthinkofanything]

Nothing stopping you from buying additonal tickets as well (although you would probably have to record you telling everyone these are not part of the pool in case you won and they sue). But the pool, while lowering your payout, also gives you extra tickets for the cost of the $1. So instead of getting your 1 ticket for $1, you get 30 tickets (the size of the pool) for your $1.

It's $1. Who cares. Especially when you only play when the jackpot gets massive like this.

haha. That would be great to buy your own set of numbers that matched the pool. They'd be so pissed.

[baseline bum]

Nothing stopping you from buying additonal tickets as well (although you would probably have to record you telling everyone these are not part of the pool in case you won and they sue). But the pool, while lowering your payout, also gives you extra tickets for the cost of the $1. So instead of getting your 1 ticket for $1, you get 30 tickets (the size of the pool) for your $1.

It's $1. Who cares. Especially when you only play when the jackpot gets massive like this.

For 1/30th of the winnings. Not that blowing that $1 outside of the pool just to win it for yourself makes any sense.

[baseline bum]

Actually we do a $5 buy in. I'm sitting on 130 sets of numbers for a shot at around 3-4 million for 5 bucks.:tu

$5 buy in. :lol

Spend the $5 on a burger or a game off of Steam or something that would actually be useful. No reason to set money on fire.

Holy fuck, this lottery is way worse than even the Texas state lottery. You gotta match 5 numbers of 75 and then 1 out of 15 to win the jackpot? Do you know the odds of that happening? You spent $5 for a 1 in 240 million chance to win about $3 million after taxes with your 130 sets of numbers? :lol