$522 MILLION: Mega Millions jackpot increased again

Comment #74

Coin Toss — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 23:42:57 GMT

One of the LP members from Oz, I think it was savagegoose, once posted that their lotto works like this,

The play slip has a NP option - No Publicity

The tickets are $1.03 AUS, all the $.03s pay the tax.

Built in anonymous right on the play slip, in essence no tax

All US lotteries should do this.

Comment #73

hearsetrax — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 10:48:15 GMT

sounds like a song cue to me

Always look on the bright side of life

Comment #72

Soledad — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 10:14:07 GMT

Always look on the bright side of life. Eric Idle

Comment #71

HiFi — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 20:52:27 GMT

It's not rigged, just sometimes they draw lousy numbers. Look on the bright side, there will be another drawing and you can try again

Comment #70

Soledad — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 17:20:12 GMT

Taxes I would disagree are a sign of government swindling. Taxes have been an established system since the days of Matthew, no? But, I agree with the idea that to buy a lottery ticket in the hopes of keeping up with modern day wealth distribution is rather ludicrous. Yes, it is a tax on the poor as so many like to call it. And yes, same people different name perhaps. But to stop it if you re really serious is not the aim of your Rant . The retail side in this country is way too big, and yes prof... [ More ]

Comment #69

Stack47 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 17:06:30 GMT

Right now it's difficult to know what amount triggers a buying frenzy and apparently $522 million wasn't enough. The 77 million tickets sold last night gave a 25% chance somebody would win the jackpot. Maybe more players came to the conclusion it's only worth spending $2 for a chance to win a half billion.

Comment #68

paymentplan-man — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 13:36:16 GMT

I really didn't think those numbers would hit but when I suddenly woke up at 2am and refreshed my state page boy was a shocked. The good news is that I can keep from spending anymore money until either of the jackpots passes 400M again so I figure I have about 5 or 6 more weeks. Slowly but surely I'm cutting back on my playing.

Comment #67

hearsetrax — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 13:08:25 GMT

cure for that feeling is on my mini blog here at the LP

spent my $2 and got zilch and U don't see me complaining jejeje

get high on life and learn to appreciate the lumps that go with it

Comment #66

golfer1960 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 12:14:28 GMT

Comment #65

rcbbuckeye — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 12:06:32 GMT

LMAO

Comment #64

Original Bey — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 11:45:07 GMT

That has always been my argument. The higher the jackpot the more the frenzied appeal reaches into the pool of rare players and then deep into the population of people who will be playing for the first time. What drags them out is a record jackpot. As much as we get excited about 500m, non players want to see new records every time or they just sit out. People appreciate the odds more than we care to admit. They see the long lines and at the end of the day only one winner comes up.

Comment #63

Bleudog101 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 11:39:06 GMT

Won $6 on Kentucky and same on Michigan ticket.

To our Australian friends, I know you can be anonymous, but they don't tax your winnings, do they

Comment #62

hearsetrax — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 10:40:00 GMT

Comment #61

Rigged50 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 10:30:49 GMT

They aren't that stupid to keep having exceptionally high jackpots; lottery fatigue will set in especially since the average person will not see any real return on his purchase i.e., not winning anything of significance if anything at all. I think i'm getting off this boat, it's a money pit and i'm wasting money. REREAD MY ORIGINAL POST, 1,2,4, that smells most foul; it's like Hamlet, the Uncle (SAM) did it or the uncle's cronies. RANT: It seems like the US can't do anything above board, because... [ More ]

Comment #60

Redd55 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 08:02:46 GMT

The winning ticket was sold at Ernie's Liquors, San Jose, CA.

I won $4 bucks and $7.

Comment #59

whiteballz — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 06:19:05 GMT

If the powers that be really did control which numbers are drawn, then it would have been in their best interest to let the jackpot roll to a billion. Such a huge jackpot would create a lotto frenzy and ticket sales would go through the roof which means more money for them.

Comment #58

LottoLucy — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 05:28:28 GMT

Yep, CNN is reporting that the verified twitter account of the California Lottery said the winning ticket was sold in San Jose, CA.

I also received my email from MegaMillions with the results and it also says 1 ticket in Cali won.

Comment #57

Rigged50 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 05:19:53 GMT

So you are telling me that the last time Mega Millions had numbers that started in the 40's besides July 17,2018 was November 25, 2016. And the last two drawings conveniently start with a 1 and this drawing had 1,2,4,19,29 (20)????? So 70 numbers in a barrel and it so conveniently happens to pick 1,2,4? Does anyone believe that 3 of the first four numbers in our numbering system was chosen RANDOMLY? It looks like the drawing is running away from a real potential winner. I wonder who has been SEL... [ More ]

Comment #56

keepitreal — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 05:19:52 GMT

Go to usamega.com and check there. It should be update in few hrs from now.

Comment #55

wander73 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 05:17:03 GMT

This is why I deactivated social media. Twitter is no good. Facebook is no good.

Comment #54

keepitreal — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 05:11:39 GMT

LP member won.

Comment #53

Candy-Lane — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 05:05:41 GMT

I read a report on Twitter that there was at least one winner tonight. The winning ticket was purchased in CA.

Comment #52

paymentplan-man — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 04:58:36 GMT

My guess is 637Million if no one wins which will increase to about 662 million right after the draw

Comment #51

Perfecttiming2 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 04:58:09 GMT

The husband (in this couple that you speak of) just ran for office here in CA...He has had a complete makeover which included loosing a lot of weight (at first I did not recognize him).

And in his campaign ads it clearly states the he was a lottery jackpot winner....

Comment #50

wander73 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 04:47:02 GMT

I guess since it's getting to 1 am here in Philly, there is no trace of a winning lottery ticket for that jackpot yet. I wonder what Fri is going to be if no winners.

Comment #49

Coin Toss — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 04:28:43 GMT

Definite minority here but I hear ya. Good for you.

Comment #48

paymentplan-man — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 04:21:28 GMT

More than one winner I always hope for that

Comment #47

Coin Toss — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 04:13:59 GMT

I hope there's more than one winner (if any) and wherever they are it just throws jj into a Leapin' lLena fit

Comment #46

mauvanilla — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 04:04:42 GMT

Wasn't me ... Got two numbers here ... two there ... no mega ball.

I think someone may have hit it ...

Comment #45

paymentplan-man — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 03:32:46 GMT

Yeah same here the problem with subscriptions for me is that I choose my numbers based on hot and warm numbers which apply at the time I first make the subscription. For the rest of the draws I doubt I've ever won anything. I barely win on the first. So yeah no more subscriptions for me.

Comment #44

golfer1960 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 03:29:01 GMT

Wow BuyLow, very detailed plan of action. Sounds good. Good luck brother

Comment #43

paymentplan-man — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 03:27:57 GMT

Im just happy that there were 3 single digits. I feel like its a better chance for it to roll that way but then again yeah you just never know.

My ticket was 1--8-21-30-39 05 I thought there would be one number that hadn't been hit in a while (the 8)at least one repeat (01) and one number that wasn't a birthday number(39) but yeah I was way off. I had actually had 4 instead of 8 but i changed it at the last minute...still would not have made a difference.

Comment #42

BBLL — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 03:16:52 GMT

I know, lol that why I made up a place. You really think I would tell you, my true location. Have some fun.

Comment #41

CDanaT — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 03:13:51 GMT

1-2-4-19-29 - 20

Had the 1 right....on a single line

Had the 4 right.. on another single line

Had the 19 right... on another single line

Had the 20 right on another single line

Comment #40

Todd — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 03:03:33 GMT

All birthday numbers drawn, someone will probably win.

Comment #39

wander73 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 02:56:00 GMT

First someone has to win. Then do the plan. A lot of members taking this too seriously.

Comment #38

TheGameGrl — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 02:26:29 GMT

I mean this in a jovial manner, so please take it in jest....

When someone is hiding OUT they aren't going to share where that is. Sorta defeats the purpose.

But should you win, I sincerely hope you enjoy the islands. Its tranquility at its finest

Comment #37

benjibanks — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 02:09:04 GMT

I would tour tax havens, Caribbean, Monaco, Italy, Switzerland and Singapore.

Comment #36

BBLL — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 02:00:16 GMT

With the annuity, is the taxes lock in for 30 years. How about the state you win, hikes the lottery tax law by 12%. What will happen to the annuity? If you don't know that is find. When I win will ask and experience lawyer and tax accountant. You just have a good point in your previous post.

Comment #35

BBLL — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 01:50:05 GMT

I like your plan.

My plan

Hire a lawyer, accountant, and investment team.

Quit my job.

Hide away for 6 months.

First move would to setup emergency fund account and retirement account. Then think about would safe ways to invest my money.

Where would you guys go to hide out? I'm thinking about going to virgin islands.

Comment #34

TheMeatman2005 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 01:47:08 GMT

When I went to get my tickets, there were some mistake tickets behind the shopkeeper. I snapped those up as well as the tickets I wanted.

One ticket was a 2-game Mega ticket and the other was a 2-game Power Ball ticket.

I don't know why the person didn't want those tickets and never asked, I just said... I'll take them

Comment #33

TheGameGrl — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 01:41:17 GMT

wonder what the record was for the most members in a BIG payout to win. I recall some factory workers once who claimed a large win. Kellogs place?

I'm thinking that is what will happen this time.

I dread Pool wins.....

I know I'm not going to win...because usually the winner has some epic tale of how they were just going out to get milk and gas, and inspiration told them to buy that ONE Qp.

Comment #32

Artist77 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 00:59:52 GMT

Virginia has an online subscription for pb and mm. Tried it for the minimum amount of time. Was not really any fun unless it was a state where I had claiming options.

Comment #31

LottoLucy — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 00:48:36 GMT

Oh, yeah, I should still be able to hang out on lp.

Other than being a bit of shock this should be a good move. Exciting work for my husband and it puts us within 60 minutes of both sets of aging (don t dare call them elderly!!) parents.

Turns our nothing will change with my MD subscriptions other than I can t renew them if I am no longer living in MD. My new state has online purchase for lottery tickets. This will be an exercise in self control. I fear.

Good luck

Comment #30

weshar75 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 00:43:43 GMT

That would be some decision to have to take cash option or annuity as you stare at your winning ticket!-weshar75

Comment #29

Artist77 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 00:16:16 GMT

No, in Virginia and work in DC. So buy my tickets in DC where you can claim via a trust. Ruies are silent on the issue and a pb or mm jp winner claimed in dc via a trust in 2009. Virginia only allows an individual to claim.

Comment #28

Artist77 — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 00:11:45 GMT

Oh no. Sorry to see you move but you will still be on lp?

I would think if you were a MD resident at the start of your subscription, the MD rules would apply for the entire period. But at least you have a very good argument there.

Good luck

Comment #27

LottoLucy — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 00:08:14 GMT

I m glad you were able to get tickets. That is frustrating to go in and be all ready to get tickets and find out that they re down.

Found out that this will probably be my last big jackpot in Maryland. We are being transferred to the Midwest and it will be a very quick move. No more anonymous tickets. I m not sure what will happen with my subscription plays. Hmmm. Better to just win tonight...

Comment #26

rcbbuckeye — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 23:57:03 GMT

Texas is like that. They will only pay one entity . So if our little work pool wins, we have to have an attorney create a trust with a name so we all are part of the entity. If I were to go to Austin and file a claim myself, (I buy the pool tix), then I would be the only one to receive the money. It would be a headache to do the taxes, paperwork, and figure each one's cut.

It would be nice if the state would just cut each of us a check and we would each be responsible for the rest of the taxe... [ More ]

Comment #25

LottoLucy — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 23:51:36 GMT

I see where you are going with this. You want us all to run out and buy extra tickets so when you win the jackpot you will have just that much more in your pocket. Well played, sir, well played.

Comment #24

LottoLucy — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 23:48:38 GMT

I had not heard that story before. Now I feel like those extra tickets are extra lucky! I did end up with three extra tickets and a pretty good pulled pork sandwich.

Good luck

Comment #23

Bleudog101 — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 23:20:09 GMT

Artist77; thought you lived in Maryland? You could do a subscription and then be anonymous with your big wins

Comment #22

Artist77 — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 23:08:13 GMT

You ought to take orders for tickets from MD. Tried to get mine in DC yesterday after work but the clerk said many of the machines were down all day. Got mine after work tonight and there was actually a bit of a line. First time I have seen a line at this liquor store .

Comment #21

Sarge0202 — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 22:28:15 GMT

Ouch, one check?!? I don't know, maybe setup a trust or some corporation. I still think taxes would be higher that way, but no gift tax. Just remember to pay off the mistress.

Comment #20

Groppo — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 22:27:14 GMT

.

Just 1 ticket?, or, in your case: just a couple ?

Please, please folks, do yourselves a favor, and press that extra 0 at the ATM.

Go on, get a hundred bucks out. Tickets are $2 a pop. So, you'll walk away with 50 tickets,

(if not Megapolar), or whatever the heck they call it.

But please, get more tickets. You deserve it. Think about your families. The little ones

who never got their magic trax set this past Christmas.

The older folks who've been shut in their rooms for mon... [ More ]

Comment #19

Bleudog101 — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 22:22:08 GMT

What about states such as KY, IN, CA that will honor office pools? Each participant fills out some IRS form. The state then cuts a check for each person. I remember reading in the CA handout about winning the lottery that I printed over 10 years ago that they will cut up to 100 separate checks. That's the one downfall I don't like about the Massachusetts lottery. They will cut only one check. What's the big deal in taking care of the customer? Certainly there are other states with that archaic w... [ More ]

Comment #18

Sarge0202 — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 22:12:36 GMT

With office pools, one person does not cash the check, pays ALL the taxes, then write out checks from their checkbook then pays an additional gift tax. It's been a (too long) while since I had to fill out the form, but it had other lines to split out with a % or $ amt.

Good luck to all

Comment #17

LottoLucy — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 22:11:24 GMT

The lifetime exclusion per taxpayer went to $11,180,000 in 2018 and is set to role back to $5,490,000 in, I think, 2025. Now is an excellent time to win a big lottery if you want to be generous to friends and family.

Love how you ended your advice!

Good luck

Comment #16

BuyLow — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 22:00:38 GMT

Interesting, did not know most of this. My plan was definitely preliminary and I would surely consult experts before I made any moves. Thanks for the input.

Comment #15

Sarge0202 — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 21:26:12 GMT

Buylow,

Are you aware you don't have to take the cash option on the entire thing (and pay all the taxes) then get hit with limits on gift tax and other things when you try setting up trusts or buying CDARS.

You can create a trust, then split the ticket to go directly into the trust (depending on the state). And with that split can be paid out lump sum or annuity.

Speaking of annuity, instead paying taxes on lump sum, then buying 50Mill$ of CDARS. You can make a 50Million$ split to pay... [ More ]

Comment #14

music* — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 21:25:26 GMT

LottoLucy, There is a couple who live in the Los Angeles area who won big. She wanted KFC but he wanted Hawaiin food. He went to the Hawaiin restaurant and played there. They won the jackpot.

Comment #13

LottoLucy — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 20:53:56 GMT

I m hoping to have a couple more before draw time. I started talking to my husband this morning about his favorite take out meal and how it has been awhile since he stopped after work and brought it home for dinner. Wouldn t you know it, they just happen to sell lottery tickets there, too.

Comment #12

dpoly1 — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 19:47:00 GMT

Comment #11

CDanaT — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 19:07:49 GMT

I hear ya DP,got 2 more a few hrs ago..

Comment #10

BuyLow — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 19:00:18 GMT

I thought I was being conservative only blowing about 10% on houses/cars/boat. No gold chain here but my Rolex might blind ya in the sun when you are out on the yacht with me.

Comment #9

noise-gate — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 18:52:02 GMT

How big is that gold chain hanging around your neck buylow

Comment #8

dpoly1 — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 18:27:59 GMT

SO,

I got an extra ticket ..............

I couldn't resist$

Christmas in July

Comment #7

BuyLow — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 18:10:22 GMT

70' about $5,000,000.00 they say running it, upkeep and staff is about 10% of the purchase price per year.

Comment #6

CDanaT — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 18:05:55 GMT

How big is the yacht

Comment #5

BuyLow — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 17:55:46 GMT

Ah the dream of it all! Bring it on!!!!

I also have a preliminary plan:

194,000,000.00 Cash after 37% Taxes

$20,000,000.00 -- 2 Houses/Yacht/Several vehicles

$2,750,000.00 -- $250,000 upfront cash and set up $2,500,000.00 trust for family member for lifetime $10,000.00 per month income (or maybe buy 10 homes and put in trust for rental income/appreciation)

$10,000,000.00 -- physical gold/silver

$50,000,000.00 -- Max allowed in CDARS (would provide roughly $100,000.00 per mont... [ More ]

Comment #4

hearsetrax — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 17:29:11 GMT

HA! HA!

should be a most curious evening, good luck to all playing

Comment #3

music* — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 16:45:37 GMT

This jackpot is a bit intimidating.

If it rolls then this will make it to #5 on the top 25. Who knows where it will end.

I am working with $194 million as my final cash amount. WOW

Comment #2

lejardin — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 16:27:54 GMT

That is a scary amount of money. Not that I would decline it however. So what is the thought, going to be won tonight or roll? I have three tickets, yea big spender, but all it takes is one. Good luck all

Comment #1

noise-gate — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 16:26:52 GMT

These updates reminds me of a doctor poking his head in the waiting room, of a hospital to remind the anxious Father, that the wife is due to give birth anytime now. This jackpot is in labor.

Thanks a bunch maestro.

$522 MILLION: Mega Millions jackpot increased again

Lottery Post — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 16:20:42 GMT

Second jackpot increase since Saturday

By Todd Northrop

For the second time in two days, the multi-state Mega Millions lottery jackpot has been raised due to surging ticket sales for a chance to win a half-billion dollars.

If one person wins tonight's Mega Millions jackpot, they will now have the option of taking home a $522 million annuity prize paid in 30 installments over 29 years, or a lump-sum cash payout of $308.1 million.

With millions of people dreaming about what they could... [ More ]