Tag Archives: lotteries
Mega Millions Winner
Mega Millions Winner
Mega Millions is a multi state lottery that is wildly popular among lottery players. In 2010 an agreement was reached between the Mega Millions consortium and the Multi-State Lottery Association that allowed the cross sales of Mega Millions and Powerball in most states with lotteries. Currently 38 lotteries are selling lottery tickets for both mega jackpot games. This agreement gave players the opportunity to play one or both mega jackpot lotteries. Obviously becoming a Mega Millions winner requires the purchase of one or more mega Millions lottery tickets. To be a Mega Millions winner the player must be 18 years old and the exceptions are; Nebraska (19) and Arizona and Iowa (21).
Since Mega Millions is a pure game of chance anyone can become a Mega Millions winner. Most large mega Millions jackpots have been won by players who used the random number generator available at lottery retailers to pick their winning Mega Millions numbers. The quick pick is the best option towards becoming a Mega Millions winner. The numbers will be random and players who play birthdays and specific number series are limited in their choices. Experts say that the quick pick potion increases the chances of becoming a Mega Millions winner by 10-15%. The only real way to increase the chances of becoming a Mega Millions winner is the purchase of multiple Mega Millions tickets. Of course the more often Mega Millions is played the more chances of becoming a Mega millions winner. Ohio offers Mega Millions players an add on game called ‘The Kicker.’ Players pay an extra dollar per ticket and a series of numbers from 1 to 9 are printed on the bottom if the Mega Millions ticket. A kicker ticket that matches all six numbers in exact order wins $100,000. Unfortunately this option is only available in Ohio.
Different players use a wide variety of strategies to increase the chances of becoming the next Mega Millions winner. Many players spend a certain amount on Mega Millions tickets per week and may spread out ticket purchases or may purchase several tickets for the same drawing. Some lottery gurus say that when a jackpot gets to a large amount the player should spend his or her entire weekly lottery budget on the drawing. As an example; if the odds are 1 in 10 million and the player purchases $10 worth of lottery tickets, the odds change to 1 in 1 million. Playing Mega Millions is fun and exciting and who knows? You could be the next big Mega Millions winner.
Virginia Lottery Goes Online
Virginia Lottery Goes Online
The Virginia state lottery has dumped its daily televised drawings in favor of internet drawings in an attempt to cut costs and move into the 21st century. The Virginia lottery finally realized that most lottery players now check their numbers online. In January the Virginia lottery started internet only video streams for its daily drawings and its popular twice-a-week Win for Life drawings. Lottery officials expect the move online to save more than $1 million dollars in operating costs during the next fiscal year. Virginia is trying to deal with a $4 billion budget deficit. While the move online is primarily a cost cutting measure the lottery recognizes that most players now rely on online sources for lottery information. Virginia Lottery Executive Director Paula Otto stated, “The Internet is actually a more popular way of people getting their numbers now.”
Lottery officials report they have received a few complaints about the new policy, mostly from older people with no internet access or computer skills. An informal survey done by the Virginia lottery revealed that most states now use a combination of televised drawings and online feeds for drawings and most state lotteries also have lottery phone hot lines and email alerts for players to check lotto numbers. The executive director of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries said that most state lotteries are looking for ways to cut costs and operating expenses. Executive director David Gale stated, “State budgets are a mess. Forget about lottery budgets because they’re probably holding their own to tell you the truth.” Most states use lottery revenues for education, senior citizens, wildlife and tourism. Council of State Governments fiscal analyst Sujit CanagaRetna says he is not surprised by Virginia’s move. CanagaRetna stated, “States are looking at every possible way to corral some dollars together just to improve their bottom line. If you do a whole bunch of these little things, it could potentially add up to something significant.”
Lottery players, especially younger players, depend on the internet for information and are rapidly shifting to web based programming. The shift to online technology could mean that online lottery tickets may be the norm in the very near future. Illinois and Iowa are exploring the sale of online lottery tickets. At the present time Federal law prevents the purchase of lottery tickets online but that is expected to change soon. Massachusetts Democrat Barney Frank has sponsored a bill that would clear the way for the sale of online lottery tickets. Its about time lotteries embraced 21st century technology!