Why I don't buy scratch lotteries

Reply #11

cooldude — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 15:53:15 GMT

I have to agree with this because Illinois just recently started doing that also ......

Reply #10

TheOtherOne — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 14:59:50 GMT

I cant stand states like SC where all tickets state directly on the ticket scratchoffs may continue to be sold even after top prize has been claimed

This just seems criminal to me, but at least they are disclosing it.

I steer clear of them. In fact, I prefer newer games that are 'loaded' ( I use that term very very very loosely) with prizes. I figure it's hard enough to win a prize, might as well get a game with more to win. Also I love that the TN Lottery has a second chance drawing when... [ More ]

Reply #9

KENNYD722 — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 05:12:23 GMT

Yeah in NJ I just go to njlottery and you can see how many winners and which ones are still out there. I usually check the site and find a ticket that I like then hit the store..

Reply #8

dallascowboyfan — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:18:31 GMT

I know in Texas they send me an email when games are closing staing if all Top prizes have been claimed or if 1 remians. Also you can email them a request on all top prizes of $1 million or more and they will send you the locations of where they were sold.

Reply #7

mnsweeps — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:25:02 GMT

Wow I am surprised with some replies. I am from CA and CA lotto site is updated everyday early morning with number of prizes left for scratchers. In fact I keep a track of last 7 days just to check how many folks are buying any lottery.

I seem to agree with the previous poster and I also go dig for the ending ones when there are a few big prizes left.

Reply #6

Spincognito — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:42:05 GMT

I like older games with only one or two top prizes left. They way I see it is that the gane will be ending soon and that last juicy ticket is ripe for the pickin'.

Reply #5

numbersgal — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:06:00 GMT

Well I just checked the Scratch-it lotteries rules run by the state of New South Wales. Yep - I was right. They just sell the tickets until they are all sold and they have no obligation to disclose if the major prizes have been won. They do show recent winners on their website but this is not publicised. First time Ive seen it bc I went looking for the info.

In the case of the games in various states where the remaining tickets are withdrawn after the big prize, I'm wondering how the governme... [ More ]

Reply #4

numbersgal — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:19:08 GMT

That sounds totally fair and reasonable but as far as I know they don't do that here down under. I'll make it my busines to check on that.

Reply #3

RedStang — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 05:42:15 GMT

I never trust any reports the states put out. If they put one top prize left, then that would turn everyone away from that game.

Reply #2

cooldude — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 23:18:28 GMT

Illinois has report on their website that they update about once week on top tier prizes remaining .......

Reply #1

mediabrat — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 23:01:15 GMT

I don't know how they do it elsewhere, but in New York they recall any unsold tickets when all of the top prizes have been awarded. They also publish a weekly report of the number of unclaimed top prizes for all their scratch-off games.

Why I don't buy scratch lotteries

numbersgal — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 20:18:22 GMT

It always bothers me that you don't know when the major prize has been won.

If the information was published, the sale of tickets would plummet to zero so that will never happen. I just don't like the idea that you could be blowing your money trying to win a non existent prize. Of course that prize could go off early or late or somewhere in between but the fact of not knowing this vital bit of info is why I don't play scratch.

Any opinions