Not only do I agree with what you are saying but I find that (speaking for my state Florida) it seems that the heavily populated areas have more winners.
Example, I live in the western panhandle of Florida (Navarre specifically), the only big winners I hear of and I have talked to many many stores here in town are 1 or 2 $500.00 winners and maybe a $1,000.00 winner.
My God if a $10,000.00 winnner ever hits here or around this area they are talked about like they won the Lotto.
Is the fix in, who knows. Is it important where you live, heavily populated vs. low population, who knows. I am just relating what I see and hear. You be the judge but what I am relating is true.
Example: a few months back someone won $8,000.00 on a scratch-off at my local Publix. You would have thought that the MegaMillions times ten had been won. They had signs, they talked about it for several days, blah, blah, blah. I finally told one of the clerks that they needed to give it a rest. After all it was only $8,000.00 and the lottery takes out $2,000.00 before they cut you a check and then you owe Uncle Sam another $1,000.00 to $2,000.00 depending on your tax bracket. Big deal a $4 or $5,000.00 winner. I am overcome with excitement.
Floridian