High gas prices and lottery spending.Prev TopicNext Topic

• Tnplayer805

  

  North Dakota
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  May 18, 2007, 3:37 pm

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  With gas prices over $3 in most areas the first thing that would be affect in my opinion would be lottery sales.  I have stopped playing because gas is too expensive.  Of course I'm a college student home for the summer and without a job too so no surprise there.  I was just wondering how much everyone was cutting back if at all because of the price of gas?

  How are you going to win if you don't play?
• DoubleDown

  

  Coastal Georgia
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  May 18, 2007, 3:50 pm

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  My vote was I have not yet, but might have to. This dam gas thing really s-u-c-k-s !

  There are so many of us that will be faced with tough decisions soon like-

  Fill the tank or:

  get the prescriptions filled

  get food

  clothing

  _____________ fill in the blanks...

   

                                 

                

   

   
• tnlotto1

  

  nashville
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  May 18, 2007, 4:02 pm

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  i voted still play the same but actually i play more money now...
• lottolaughs

  

  Sunny California
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  May 18, 2007, 4:03 pm

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  Good poll. This is a question that people face at ANY time,not just because gas is so high. EVERYTHING is so high,you got it,Double Down! Food,rents,clothes,medicine or any kind of health care,geese! And God help you if you have to call a plumber or electrician!  Prices will never cease going up in this world it seems. Unfortunately,I believe that this high cost of living, in some cases, may coax people to buy even MORE lottery tickets. Those millions of dollars can put stars in your eyes when you've got a drawer full of overdue bills. 
• justxploring

  

  Wandering Aimlessly
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  May 18, 2007, 4:48 pm

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  Yesterday I drove about 200 miles.  I stopped for gas and put $43 in my Camry and it wasn't even near the "E" but I was traveling down a road that didn't look as if I'd see a station for a long time. 

  So it's hard to answer, since I've already cut back.  I voted "No" since I'll still always play my 4 combinations on Wed & Sat until the end of time.  However, I do agree that the rising prices of food and gas, along with the increase in my cable, phone and electricity bills (what about medical care?) make me think twice before I buy a Fantasy 5 or MegaMoney ticket on a non-Lotto evening. 

  Lottolaughs has a good point, however.  I started to spend more when I lost my job.  Then I needed to have a good talk with myself.  It's absolutely true that many times people who feel frustrated will spend more when a dream is flashed in front of them. 
• Tnplayer805

  

  North Dakota
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  May 18, 2007, 4:55 pm

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  I play for the fun.  It's just like going to a movie or bowling.  I don't have to play or see a movie to survive; however, I've got to eat and put gas in my truck.  Obviously, you need to know your priorities.  Playing the lottery isn't a high priority when you are watching your spending. 

  How are you going to win if you don't play?
• pumpi76

  

  Honduras
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  May 18, 2007, 5:03 pm

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  Good question...I do think high gas prices will affect lottery sales...And this made me think of something...Can you play the lottery in a grocery store?I've seen one grocery stores where you can play scratchoffs but can't play lottery (can't remember the name of the store but a hint is that the letters of the grocery stores are green)..I think walmart should have a section to play lottery...
• JackpotWanna

  

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  May 18, 2007, 5:18 pm

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  I voted not cutting back.  Hey, if you win, you will never have to worry about gas again.

   

   
• justxploring

  

  Wandering Aimlessly
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  May 18, 2007, 5:34 pm

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  In response to pumpi76

  Quote: Originally posted by pumpi76 on May 18, 2007

  Good question...I do think high gas prices will affect lottery sales...And this made me think of something...Can you play the lottery in a grocery store?I've seen one grocery stores where you can play scratchoffs but can't play lottery (can't remember the name of the store but a hint is that the letters of the grocery stores are green)..I think walmart should have a section to play lottery...

  Walmart will never sell lottery tickets.  Just my opinion, Pumpi.   Yes, most grocery stores here sell lottery tickets.  I can't think of anyone that doesn't.  Albertson's, Publix and Sweetbay sell tickets for all the Florida games.
• spy153

  

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  May 18, 2007, 5:39 pm

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  yes, I have to cut back. I am on a budget. Out of my budget, the lottery is the only frill I have. Any more, and I will face the decisions double down mentioned. Gas or food?

  voir-vous dans mes reves!
• pacattack05

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  May 18, 2007, 5:47 pm

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  I always wait for a sale on lottery tickets, then buy them. Usually 50 cents off the regular price. The tricky part is to find them. They don't like to advertise.
• Littleoldlady

  

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  May 18, 2007, 7:04 pm

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  I cut back a long time ago.  The lottery (p3) is getting so its not worth it to play anymore.  They mess with the numbers so bad, for a long time I just quit.  I just play a little now.  If gas goes above $3.00, I will have no problem keeping my money in my pocket..I like lights, gas, water, food and medical care. Yesterday I had to put gas in my car..and the $2.99 price for regular almost made me faint..

  If you know your number is going to hit, have patience and then KILL IT!

  You never know when you will get another hit.
• stavros

  

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  May 18, 2007, 7:38 pm

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  In response to Littleoldlady

  Quote: Originally posted by Littleoldlady on May 18, 2007

  I cut back a long time ago.  The lottery (p3) is getting so its not worth it to play anymore.  They mess with the numbers so bad, for a long time I just quit.  I just play a little now.  If gas goes above $3.00, I will have no problem keeping my money in my pocket..I like lights, gas, water, food and medical care. Yesterday I had to put gas in my car..and the $2.99 price for regular almost made me faint..

  Where I am in FL, price is $3.26 today! 

  Good Luck!

  Stavros

   
• justxploring

  

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  May 18, 2007, 7:55 pm

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  In response to stavros

  Quote: Originally posted by stavros on May 18, 2007

  Where I am in FL, price is $3.26 today! 

  I paid $3.05 on Thursday.   On the way home I saw a Hess with a price of $2.89 and was shocked since it was so "low." It was next to a BP station that was $3.08.  Funny that I thought in the sticks it would be cheaper, but I was in a place called Clewiston that was the epitome of the expression "the middle of nowhere"

  MSN Auto lists the gas stations in each by zip code  I usually just stop where it's convenient, but 19 cents a gallon is a huge difference.  I won't go to a station just because it's a few pennies less.  Here are the national averages as of 5/18

  Lowest in the U.S                National Average              Highest in the U.S.

  Greenville, SC   $2.28                   $3.13                    Menlo Park, CA  $4.09   Yikes!!!!

   

  How can there be such a big difference?  Taxes?
• LOTTOMIKE

  

  Tennessee
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  May 18, 2007, 11:42 pm

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  i haven't played in a while so i've cut back.......