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• Coin Toss

  

  Zeta Reticuli Star System
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  Oct 16, 2006, 7:58 pm

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   This speaks volumes:

  Lottery games such as Mega Millions are random and it is impossible for anyone or any lottery analysis software to predict exactly what will be the next drawn balls.

  Then:

  However, patterns can still be observed from the balls that are randomly drawn for different periods of time.

  http://www.megamillions.com/winningpicks/download_numbers.asp 

  There is also a "Random Picker" (gives out five picks) - 

  Now, my question is, would they intentionally give out the winning pick?
• RJOh

  

  100

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  Oct 16, 2006, 8:18 pm

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  Coin Toss:
  Now, my question is, would they intentionally give out the winning pick?

  Why not?  Once the numbers are drawn everyone who bought a ticket want to know. 

  Now if they thought someone could analyze those random patterns to improve their odds of picking the winning numbers before the drawings they might get a little concerned, but no one has shown they can do that and if they could they would not bring it to their attention.

   * you don't need to buy every combination, just the winning ones * 

         
  
• bambini

  

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  Oct 16, 2006, 8:23 pm

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  In response to Coin Toss

  Quote: Originally posted by Coin Toss on Oct 16, 2006

   This speaks volumes:

  Lottery games such as Mega Millions are random and it is impossible for anyone or any lottery analysis software to predict exactly what will be the next drawn balls.

  Then:

  However, patterns can still be observed from the balls that are randomly drawn for different periods of time.

  http://www.megamillions.com/winningpicks/download_numbers.asp 

  There is also a "Random Picker" (gives out five picks) - 

  Now, my question is, would they intentionally give out the winning pick?

  Your implication is "they" mega millions lottery inc.,  would give out a winning number before the drawing,  through the "random picker" feature,   then the lottery would be fixed, a scam.   Besides,  If you got a winning combination from the random picker, you could not prove that it was intentional if you wanted to.
• RJOh

  

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  Oct 16, 2006, 8:44 pm

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  In response to bambini

  Quote: Originally posted by bambini on Oct 16, 2006

  Your implication is "they" mega millions lottery inc.,  would give out a winning number before the drawing,  through the "random picker" feature,   then the lottery would be fixed, a scam.   Besides,  If you got a winning combination from the random picker, you could not prove that it was intentional if you wanted to.

  If someone connected with megamillions was going to run a scam, you can be sure it would not benefit John Q. Public, they or one of the friend or family member would be picking up the winner check.

   * you don't need to buy every combination, just the winning ones * 

         
  
• Coin Toss

  

  Zeta Reticuli Star System
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  Oct 17, 2006, 12:25 am

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  Bambini
  "then the lottery would be fixed, a scam"

   There's a lot of people here that would not find that surprising at all, especially some specific state lotteries 

  RJOH

  I'm sure the "Random Picker" generates even more ticket sales....
  
• JimmySand9

  

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  Oct 17, 2006, 12:36 am

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  In layman's terms:

  You can analyse number histories, but any correct prediction using that method is pure coincidence.

  (insert signature here)
• four4me

  

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  Oct 17, 2006, 12:48 am

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  In response to JimmySand9

  Quote: Originally posted by JimmySand9 on Oct 17, 2006

  In layman's terms:

  You can analyse number histories, but any correct prediction using that method is pure coincidence.

  Thank you! thank you! thank you!

   finally someone gets it

  Big John says. You don't hit the number. The number hits you!!!!

                 I'm not Big John, I'm Four4me, Big John's a friend.
• justxploring

  

  Wandering Aimlessly
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  Oct 17, 2006, 1:19 am

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  Many people tell me I'm crazy for playing my personal numbers for so long. Maybe I am. (don't vote on this, please!)  However, to me it's pure luck and one set of 6 numbers is just as good as another. Maybe pick-3 is different, but I don't see how a jackpot game like PB, MM (PMS, M-O-U-S-E) or even a State game like the 6/53 Florida Lotto can't be anything but luck of the draw, especially since almost everyone who wins here buys a quick pick.

  On the other hand, I've always wondered about this:  since the terminals choose the quick pick numbers, maybe we can call this a type of "system" ??  because

  "The quick-pick algorithm resides in the store's terminal. Each time it is seeded with several randomizer keys based on time and previous terminal activity. "

  I copied this from the MN lottery site Q&A.  It also says:

  "The percentage of quick-picks varies a great deal from game to game and also with the size of the jackpot. In Powerball, the quick-pick percentage normally runs about 70 percent, and about 70 percent of the winners are quick-pick players.

  The bottom line is that how you pick your numbers has absolutely nothing to do with being a winner. The numbers 1-2-3-4-5*6 have exactly the same chance of winning as any other set of six numbers. The only thing is, if you pick your own numbers, and you base them on something logical, artificial or limiting (like dates), you are more likely to have to split the pari-mutuel jackpot prize because others may be using the same numbers. The most commonly played number combination is 7-14-21-28-35*42. If you won with that number, you would share the jackpot with many, many other players. "

  I've read this on many state sites for the "jackpot" games, so I am guessing it's true.
• Coin Toss

  

  Zeta Reticuli Star System
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  Oct 17, 2006, 2:33 am

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  The 'lottery gurus' (like Gail Howard) all say that if 1 2 3 4 5 6 ever hit it would be split an incredible number of ways because so many people play it. 

  Also, any drawing that got hit where all the numbers were 31 and under would be split a lot of ways because of so many people playing birthdays and anniversaries.  
• justxploring

  

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  Oct 17, 2006, 4:03 am

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  In response to Coin Toss

  Quote: Originally posted by Coin Toss on Oct 17, 2006

  The 'lottery gurus' (like Gail Howard) all say that if 1 2 3 4 5 6 ever hit it would be split an incredible number of ways because so many people play it. 

  Also, any drawing that got hit where all the numbers were 31 and under would be split a lot of ways because of so many people playing birthdays and anniversaries.  

  Not every time.  Recently a low number hit in FL and the person cleaned up!  Only takes 1 number out of the 6 to make it different from all the rest who get the lower prize for 5 numbers. However, Fantasy 5 jackpots are often split a lot - once 15 winners won about $300K. But then just 1 person will win like tonight.