The $14/week budget seems to be the best (and cheapest) one yet. Can't play multiple games on it (with the exception of the pick N day and night games). It has known expenses...

1 week $14

1 month ~$60 on average

1 year $728

Looking at the fact that I am 10 weeks in, my total expense on this system has been $42 because of that one hit. Many months this year were also skipped while developing the current system.

While it may be tempting to play both the pick 3 AND Match 6 simultaneously, the above numbers would be doubled.

So what I have decided is to A and B it for the rest of the year...

Currently nearing the end of the Match 6 first week of four. When that wraps up, I will switch to 2 weeks of the pick 3, then back to the Match 6 for 4 more weeks. Best of both worlds, chance at play money (pick 3) and a chance at real money (Match 6). 

Lower prizes cut the cost, so it is doubtful that the full $728 would ever be reached. Finishing out the year with this A and B plan. That is also the plan moving into 2026.

At the year end the budget starts over, losses from the current year are not worth worrying about, as it was "entertainment". Looking back at this year, given the gaps, my expenses are definitely less than 1/4 of that $728, and I played more often this year than in years prior... if the rest of the year is a wash, this system will end 2025 $196 in the red, and the entire year might get close to $400 in expenses, but as far as hobbies go, it is cheap.

The A and B change also allows down time with each game to work out strategy refinements that were rushed in the week to week plan. If I had doubled the budget to accommodate both games at the same time, losses would be doubled. Not to mention that if the few weeks left with the pick 3 have some luck, 3 straight hits pay for 2026 in advance!