Tag Archives: state lottery
Pick 3 Lottery Games
Pick 3 is a popular lottery game offered by most state lotteries. Pick 3 is a variation on the old 3 digit numbers game lottery that was played in most big cities in the US before lotteries were legal. Typically in the traditional pick 3 game the player selects three numbers from 0 to 9. Pick 3 offers players significantly better odds than most lottery games although the jackpots are usually much smaller. There are several ways to play pick 3;
Straight-numbers in exact order. Odds 1 in 1,000 Box-any order if the numbers consist of two of the same numbers. Odds- 1in 333.33 Box-any order-three different numbers. Odsds-1 in 166.67 Straight/Box-exact or any order-numbers consist of two of the same number. Odds-333.33 Straight/Box-numbers consist of three different numbers-Odds-166.67
As can be seen the odds are significantly better than most big money games. For example the odds of winning a Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 176 million. There are also many more variations than the ones listed above and each state offers players different pick 3 options. Players can play special lucky numbers or have the random number generator available at lottery retailers select their pick 3 numbers.
Players can participate in several drawings at once which increase the odds in favor of the pick 3 player. Many pick 3 players will play the same numbers until they hit. Typically pick 3 tickets are 50 cents or $1. Pick 3 is one lottery game that can provide players with several wins in rapid succession. Players can check pick 3 numbers at their official state lottery website or at most of the many online lottery websites. Many players will go to their state lottery website and check the histories of various winning numbers and look for numbers that have not hit and will play these numbers. Most state lotteries offer day and night pick 3 drawings. In addition specific instructions for playing pick 3 are available at official state lottery websites in states that offer pick 3 games. There is certainly no shortage of information about how to play pick 3 lottery games.
There are websites and books that offer pick 3 strategies but in reality random numbers win just as often as those picked by lottery systems. Pick 3 lottery games are very simple and probably offer lottery players their best chance to experience the excitement of a lottery win.
States Without Lotteries (Page 1 of 2)
States Without Lotteries
What 8 States Are Without Lotteries and Why?
Despite the fact that lotteries provide a great source of government revenue for state programs, especially education, and a great amount of fun, there are 8 states that currently do not have state lotteries. The states that currently do not have lotteries are: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. It is evident why most of these states continue to resist implementing a state lottery. For example, in Alabama, Mississippi and Utah, there is considerable religious opposition to all gambling. In Nevada, the casino industry opposes the lottery because of the competition it would create. Both Alaska and Hawaii are isolated from other states and therefore need not worry about losing money to nearby states. Lottery supporters in all eight of these states remain hopeful that a state lottery will eventually be put into place. If this happens, these 8 states could not only create their own exciting lotteries, but also participate in multi-state games such as Powerball and Mega Millions.
Alabama
In 1999, a constitutional amendment to allow a State Lottery was defeated in the state of Alabama. Approximately 54% of voters opposed the lottery referendum while 46%, supported it. The total voter turnout was estimated at 50%. There is a strong Christian argument against instating the lottery in the state of Alabama. There has been little talk since 1999 about another state lottery proposal.
Alaska
In 2003 there was a lot of buzz about gambling proposals in the state of Alaska. However, unlike Alabama, Alaska never brought a state lottery proposal to ballot. There has been little talk lately of implementing a state lottery in Alaska.
Arkansas
There is much talk in Arkansas about instating a state lottery. In fact, on April 13th, 2008 Lt. Gov. Bill Halter announced that enough signatures had been collected to put a lottery proposal on the Nov. 4 ballot. The state lottery proposal in Arkansas is described as the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery. The proceeds of the lottery would be used to fund scholarships and grants to citizens of Arkansas who are enrolled in public and private nonprofit colleges and universities located within the State. In 1996 and 2000, Arkansas voters rejected state lotteries whose proposals also included provisions for casinos. It seems the Arkansas citizens will get another chance to vote on an Arkansas state lottery at the end of this year.
Hawaii
Hawaii also does not have a state lottery. Like Alaska, there has been little talk lately in Hawaii about instating a state lottery. There are few arguments for or against a state lottery in Hawaii. Politicians’ main argument against a state lottery centers around the idea that it is unnecessary and is not needed for the education system to thrive.
Mississippi
While Mississippi does have casinos, it does not have a state lottery. In fact, proposals for a state lottery tend to be defeated in Mississippi because they would take away from casino profit. In 1990 a proposal for a state lottery was defeated in Mississippi. Like Alaska and Hawaii, there is little talk lately about the prospect of a state lottery in Mississippi.