A million bucks doesn't buy dreams like it used to.
The first Maryland lottery game to offer $1 million prizes seems likely to become extinct, a victim of players who opt to gamble instead on mega-jackpots.
Introduced in November 1983 to help bail out financially strapped localities such as Prince George's County and Baltimore, Maryland Lotto — once the lottery's flagship game — is showing its age, according to state officials.
In the past fiscal year, Maryland Lotto sales dropped 5 percent while every other game posted gains, according to the latest figures.
Much like lottery games around the nation, Maryland Lotto's typical jackpots of a few million dollars have been dwarfed by the multistate game, Mega Millions, which starts at $12 million and often grows beyond $100 million.
"The current Lotto game, as it is currently structured, could possibly be phased out with another game," said Maryland Lottery Director Buddy Roogow.
He added: "We'll have to try something new and more exciting, and [a game] that is more player-friendly and means more winners."
To win the Lotto jackpot, players must match all six numbers drawn from 1 to 49, with jackpots rolling over from one drawing to the next. In its 22 years, Lotto has had 359 jackpot winners; the largest was $24 million in March 2001. Matching fewer numbers on the tickets — $1 buys two chances — wins smaller prizes ranging from $2 to $1,500.
For the 12-state Mega Millions game, players purchase $1 tickets and choose five numbers between 1 and 56 and one Gold Mega Ball number between 1 and 46. The richest jackpot reached an annuity value of $363 million in 2000. Lesser prizes for matching fewer numbers range from $250,000 to $2 for each drawing.
Odds of winning the Lotto jackpot are 1 in 26.8 million, compared with the Mega Millions odds of 1 in 175 million. Since Mega Millions started, Maryland has sold nine winning jackpot tickets; the largest was $183 million in June 2003.
Though players are much less likely to win Mega Millions than Maryland Lotto, many have been lured by the prospect of larger jackpots — a trend evident to many lottery merchants.
Matt Owens, an attendant at the Canton Market convenience store on Boston Street, said Mega Millions drawings days, Tuesday and Friday, are his busiest.
"They really don't care about the odds, it's about the money," he said of the players.
At the Liquor Lady in Perry Hall, where the winning Lotto ticket for the June 11 jackpot was purchased, a white sign reading, "We Sold A $1.1 Million Lotto Ticket," hangs behind the pink lottery machine where store owner Bhupendra Patel stands.
Patel said more people are buying Lotto tickets because of the sign. "Wow, somebody won here," he said customers typically say.
But, Patel said, more people continue to purchase Mega Millions tickets over Lotto because of the jackpots.
Still, some Lotto players say they can't give up their habit.
Vernon Adams, 81, of Perry Hall, said that playing both multimillion-dollar games is routine. Adams has been playing each game since its inception and has a simple technique when he fills out a playslip — he uses a few birthdates.
Maryland's declining Lotto sales follow the trend of other states involved in multistate jackpot games such as Mega Millions and Powerball.
"There have been some states who have seen enough erosion in their local games that they have moved to a multistate game exclusively," said Edward J. Stanek, chairman of the International Lottery Alliance and head of the Iowa lottery.
Stanek said that as more states consolidate with large jackpots, the single-state lottery games will be narrowed to "a particular market interest."
In Pennsylvania, the state lottery agency shifted its games after joining Powerball in 2002 and ending its equivalent of Maryland's Lotto.
Stephanie Weyant, a Pennsylvania Lottery spokeswoman, said the lottery focusing on the people who want more chances to win smaller prizes.
"Now, none of the current games are intended to compete with Powerball because they can't," Weyant said. "The lottery games today are to appeal to different players who have different niches."
Tentatively, Roogow said, a replacement for the Lotto would not consist of a jackpot, rather a game with more chances at winning smaller prizes. The game could start as early as January, he said.
Continuing to increase lottery sales is particularly important, according to Maryland lottery officials, because the revenue contributes so many dollars to the state's general fund to support such services as education and public health and safety. The lottery provided $477 million in revenue to Maryland in the past fiscal year, almost a $19 million increase over the previous year.
For Suzanne Feltz, 38, of Essex, her day is not complete without stopping at the Liquor Lady in Perry Hall. Feltz plays both multimillion-dollar games and a few scratch-offs. She said she buys more tickets based on the amount of the jackpot, which she agrees is usually larger with Mega Millions.
MD should join Lotto South.
Look for the new MD game to be a Match-6 clone.
tennessee should join too...lottosouth that is.
If MD is looking to PA for a new game concept, it better pass on Unlucky for Life.
If MD is looking to PA for a new game concept, it better pass on Unlucky for Life.
A few years ago they ran the win for life scratchers in maryland. Too bad i didn't win i could used the little bit of income from it to buy a nice property.
They haven't ran the win for life scratchers since.
four4:
Bring them back only if there's a cash option.
Cash that's not going to happen the win for lifes are a scratch game designed to pay out on a month to month or year to year basis. There are a couple hundred cash option scratchers. Why do you have a problem with a game that structured they way it was designed to pay off. If it was a cash option game then the terms win a thousand a week for life wouldn't apply.
It's not win a million right now. Although i could go for a scratcher like that.
Oh no! You know how hard it is to find a game where you get 2 for a buck?! Don't let them get rid of Maryland Lotto!
I just e-mailed them suggesting a 6/44, two for a buck Lotto. The lower tier payouts would be the same, and it would begin as an all-cash jackpot of $250,000.
I was disappointed when they stopped selling Cash in Hand (7/31). That was a good game.
The odds of winning per line is 1 in 14 million, and you get lines for a dollar which cuts the odds in half.
I think Maryland should join PB and not have their own lotto game because they need big jackpots and sales.
we have megamillions
Powerball is in DC, DE and PA were surrounded by powerball states.
I like to play instate lotto games or Lotto South because the odds are a lot better than powerball or MM. I can't wait to play FL lotto multi draws.
Cash that's not going to happen the win for lifes are a scratch game designed to pay out on a month to month or year to year basis. There are a couple hundred cash option scratchers. Why do you have a problem with a game that structured they way it was designed to pay off. If it was a cash option game then the terms win a thousand a week for life wouldn't apply.
It's not win a million right now. Although i could go for a scratcher like that.
Exactly correct-o-mundo!
Win for life games are structured for people who WANT to get an annuity, so I have absolutely no problem with the fact that there is no cash option for those games.
Players who want a cash option should avoid games that are specifically structured for annuities. It's not like there aren't any games out there that offer cash options, so people have choice, which is what makes a good state lottery.
People should avoid making blanket statements about things like cash options, because there are always situations where the blanket statement does not hold up.
As Obi-Wan Kenobi said, "Only the Sith deals in absolutes."
NY has several "million dollar" scratches at any given time, but they're ALL annuity-only. Plus there are three versions of Lose for Life.
thanks for the info cash only,how often do you play those scratchers?
NEVER!!
you sure you might not have "accidentally" bought one in the past??
mike:
I _ALWAYS_ read the fine print.
In some ways I will be sad to see MD Classic lotto go - it was the first lottery I ever played - and I have a subscription so I play every draw. But the reality is that with Mega Millions larger jackpots available, it just isn't going to get enough interest to keep it going.
As for a "Win-for-life" type game (or as CO puts it "Lose for Life"), I might plunk down a dollar or two per drawing, but that's my choice - and if I want to play a "life" or annuity game - I will.
I've played the same numbers on one of my tickets for 25 yrs and they hardly won any money. Perfictally good numbers spread out over the range of numbers 3 even 2 odd numbers on one ticket and 3 odd 2 even on another ticket. Every draw i hoped to at least see 3 of 6 once or twice a year. Prayed for all 6 countless times. Never had 5 of 6 come out right. And of cource never won the game with all 6 numbers. Well there's still some time left maybe it might happen before they scrap it out.
four4:
I hope you hit it. You should try asking MD to join Lotto South.
They should have the cash option available but increase the amount per play to $1.
To win the Lotto jackpot, players must match all six numbers drawn from 1 to 49, with jackpots rolling over from one drawing to the next. In its 22 years, Lotto has had 359 jackpot winners; the largest was $24 million in March 2001. Matching fewer numbers on the tickets — $1 buys two chances — wins smaller prizes ranging from $2 to $1,500.
In illinois in about the same time frame they had 1000 millionairs compaired to Marylands 359. Just might be another reason why it lost it's popularity. People spent a lot of money trying to win the Maryland lotto game and there wern't that many winners.
Illinois lottery 02/19/83 Lotto begins and by 01/25/02 1000th Millionaire was announced (Lotto 12/12/01-$9mil.)
For Suzanne Feltz, 38, of Essex, her day is not complete without stopping at the Liquor Lady in Perry Hall.
Whew! Been there done that. Nothing like stopping in for a quick one after work and closing the place down several hours later.
Some parts of life are good to have left behind. Old Suzanne would probably find her day wasn't complete without something of that sort even if she won a jackpot.
Jack
For Suzanne Feltz, 38, of Essex, her day is not complete without stopping at the Liquor Lady in Perry Hall.
Whew! Been there done that. Nothing like stopping in for a quick one after work and closing the place down several hours later.
Some parts of life are good to have left behind. Old Suzanne would probably find her day wasn't complete without something of that sort even if she won a jackpot.
Jack
Yea that's the truth. However if she's going there she's getting it to go unless she's hanging out back sharing a corner of the bottle with the riff raff. LOL but i know what you mean.
What's so special about Ms Feltz, other than that she plays the lottery?
What's so special about Ms Feltz, other than that she plays the lottery?
Cash who knows read the story again aparently she's just a customer whom was interview along with many others after the place sold a winning lotto ticket. The news people and the lottery personel usually visit the places that sell large winning jackpots or scratch tickets. To drum up stories like this one etc. etc.
four4:
Do you see that MD is retiring Classic Lotto on the heels of DC ending Quick Cash?
I got an e-mail from the MD Lottery saying they're just revamping the game. I hope that's the case. They also acknowledged my suggestion. Hey, they might just use it.
jimmy:
What was your suggestion?
I still think MD should join Lotto South, like neighboring VA.
Cash did you read the story or not they are retiring the game because it basically su-ks the payout and the rollovers su-k. The tax burden if you win cuts the part you might get to a third of the money. not many people are playing it anymore. megamillions is the hot ticket for a buck. MD cant compete with megamill. We don't have enought people for a jackpot game with huge rollovers like LIL lotto. All the Maryland lottery wants to do is suck the lifeblood out of the people with the rediculious scratch games they have. Check out out their website and see for yourself the number of winners and who is winning what. The Maryland lottery could use a complete overhaul if you ask me. Just wait till they have another conference when the public can attend. I will ask the good questions. Not the ones like the baltimorons ask. most of them ask Buddy why their number didn't come out. He loves that kind of stuff. But when faced with tough questions side tracks the subject. I woln't be so easy one him if i get the chance.
four4:
Well MD could keep Classic Lotto and retire a few numbers if they don't want months of rollovers.
jimmy:
What was your suggestion?
I still think MD should join Lotto South, like neighboring VA.
It's a 50/50 shot at wether the brass in VA will consider Maryland a southern state. So don't get your hopes up.
My suggestion was 2 simple changes:
-
- Drop 5 of the 49 numbers to make a 6/44.
-
- New minimum jackpot of $250,000 cash.
That was it. The lower payouts stay the same. Price stays the same. Draw nights stay the same. But will the experience be the same. Heck no. It will be better.The only game besides mega that is good not great is Bonus Match 5 with it's cash option and no taxes. However i think that's a ruse because your still going to have to pay taxes on the income you have to report at the end of they year. They just woln't get it from you twice.
I don't care what lottery it is there shouldn't be taxes taken out. Are they paying taxes on the money they take in. NO. Then why should we pay taxes on the money that was contributed by the players. the lotterys make money with the money we contribute to them they buy bonds and securities with the money the people give them. And if you win they want to sock it to you some more and take the fun out of having won. By going in you pocket and taking more dough out. People need to wake up about these things. It's just another form of robery with goverment sanction.
jimmy:
What was your suggestion?
I still think MD should join Lotto South, like neighboring VA.
It's a 50/50 shot at wether the brass in VA will consider Maryland a southern state. So don't get your hopes up.
My suggestion was 2 simple changes:
-
- Drop 5 of the 49 numbers to make a 6/44.
-
- New minimum jackpot of $250,000 cash.
That was it. The lower payouts stay the same. Price stays the same. Draw nights stay the same. But will the experience be the same. Heck no. It will be better.Maryland is on the Mason Dixon line.
four4:
The last time I looked at a road atlas, MD was south of the line. So is Delaware. Even the southern part of New Jersey is below it.
Cash i was born and raised here i think i know about my states history. Now today at this precise time i don't know if the lines were re drawn but i'm pretty sure that it is and will allways be on the Mason dixon line.
here are two links the second link shows the line.
http://freespace.virgin.net/john.cletheroe/usa_can/usa/mas_dix.htm
The only game besides mega that is good not great is Bonus Match 5 with it's cash option and no taxes. However i think that's a ruse because your still going to have to pay taxes on the income you have to report at the end of they year. They just woln't get it from you twice.
I don't care what lottery it is there shouldn't be taxes taken out. Are they paying taxes on the money they take in. NO. Then why should we pay taxes on the money that was contributed by the players. the lotterys make money with the money we contribute to them they buy bonds and securities with the money the people give them. And if you win they want to sock it to you some more and take the fun out of having won. By going in you pocket and taking more dough out. People need to wake up about these things. It's just another form of robery with goverment sanction.
Bonus Match 5 is taxes paid too? I heard that somewhere, but I thought it was typo or confusion with another game. I guess it is. And Bonus Match 5 doesn't have a cash "option", it has a cash "mandate".
Jimmy thank's for pointing that out i was just writing real fast and it was a slip of the tounge / finger was all.
I know all about our games. How they are structured and what the payouts are. I live here and have been playing the lottery since it began.
Well, it will be a Match 6 clone according to director Roogow. I just hope it's still $1.
The competition from MegaMillions and Powerball is hurting the state lotteries. Maryland's decision to replace their high-end lotto game is mentioned.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050827/ap_on_bi_ge/lagging_lotteries
With several multi-state lotteries (Powerball, Lotto South, Hot Lotto, etc.) competing head to head on the Wednesday/Saturdays slot, I wonder if there's a coming shakeout where those smaller games will fold. It'd be a shame to have nothing but games with odds of 1 in 150 million or worse.
ichoro:
I don't see a future for Hot Lotto unless Oklahoma (joining Powerball in January 2006) gets it. Lotto South will continue, but ultimately the four-year-old game needs to expand to a fourth state and add to its 6/49 matrix. Both games need to look at Mon-Thu or Tue-Fri draws.