Here is why I don't play scratch off tickets. One of the most popular tickets in New Jersey is BIG MONEY SPECTACULAR which has a 68% return in prizes.  This is a $2 ticket with a top prize of $35,000. But lets break that down.

12.6 million tickets printed

1,218,000 prizes of $2  Any prize equal to face value to me is NOT a win!

420,000 prizes of $3

210,000 prizes of $5

168,000 prizes of $10

168,000 prizes of $15

105,000 prizes of $20

 69,000 prizes of $25

 38,000 prizes of $50

  7,140 prizes of $75

  4,326 prizes of $100

    378 prizes of $1000

      84 prizes of $5000

        5 prizes of $35,000

Two of the top prizes have been claimed. One at a STOP & SHOP and the other at a SHOP-RITE for those who think mom & pop stores are way to go.

In summary, only 4,793 tickets out of 12.6 million are for $100 or more.  Sounds great huh? 

Rather use my money on pick-4 boxes thank you.  Twenty bucks gives me 40 chances at more than $100... But that's  just me.