It's a funny thing.  I've been telling folks thAt North Carolina was going to be stingy with their payouts for scratch-offs long before I read this article.  I also told them that South Carolina had one of the best payouts in the country.  Now I have positive proof that this is so.  I live about 5 minutes from the Souch Caroilna border and will continue to play in South Carolina, Pick 3, Pick 4, Powerball, Caroina 5, AND scratch-off tickets!  And yes I DO LIVE IN NORTH CAROINA! After tne newness wears off in North Caroina a lot of people will be back acroos the border just watch!

TN only pays out 54%, I guess that's why I stopped buying scratch-offs.

If NC pays less than 50% straight/48% box (eg $40/$80), it won't surprise me if it uses pari-mutuel payouts to disguise the differences. California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey AFAIK are the only states with pari-mutuel Pick-3/4 payouts.

Cash Only, hadn't thought of that one.  You are very right.  I hope they don't do that.  I think this would also be to their disadvantage.

I travel into both states, but live <20 miles from the exit where I get my SC tickets.

If there appears to be an advantage to buying in SC, I will take it......

DoubleDown,

All we can do is wait and see.  One other point.  It seems ant most states begin their new lotteries with Pick 3 and Pick 4, sometimes they will a a Pick 5 game and THEN add a nationwide 6 digit game. Is NC just determined to do things backwards.  It doesn't matter to me that they went through a whole lot to get the lottery.  Like I said before I will remain a South Carolina lottery patron. I used to drive to the border to buy megamillions in Fancy Gap.  I would always take some SC scratch-off tickets with me to give to my friends.  They were amazed at the payouts. Now these people live in VA. 

We will see. ...

Yep... 

There's a good store( sold quite a few big winners ) in Rock Hill.

It's the Petro Express on the same exit with Target, Hilton Garden Inn, Olive Garden, etc...

I got my PB tix there Friday and hit for $30.

DD 

DD,

Whick Rock Hill exit is that?

bev

Because NC is the last state in the region to get the lottery it actually makes sense to start with the only game that would draw people from across the state line.I'm speaking of Powerball.Yes,Virginia is the only border state that doesn't have it,but it should draw more people than a pick 3 or 4 game.After all,the border state have their own versions of those games.So,I think NC is trying to generate the interest from VA when those Powerball jackpots get large.That's my story and I'm ........

I'm disappointed that NC is only paying out 35% in sales. I was hoping at least 50 to 55%.

The payouts are 50% by law.Check your sources.

NY Rotto pays back only 38%-40%. Are you sure NC will pay 50%?

It was more embarrassing and horrible when we didn't have a lottery.  Which one would you like to have? no lottery at all or a bunch of ignorant people fumbling and putting together something horrible to the point of embarrassment?

The scratch off tickets are featured in the local section of the Charlotte Observer today. 

GOOD LUCK! 

Exit 79 ( Dave Lyle Blvd )

Going South, exit to the right and the Petro Express is on the right beside Wendys.

BTW, their gas prices are pretty good too.

As I said the NC lottery will pay out 50% by law.You are welcome to check NC House bill 1023. As they say on the X-files...the truth is out there.