Cupcake10, the biggest problem with the pick games is this: With the state payout structure set up the way it is, a player must remove so many combinations in order to make any type of profit. See, numbers and money go hand in hand with these games as we begin at 1,000 total combinations. Well, the maximum payout for a $1 str8 hit is only $500 and only $250 for a .50 str8 hit. What's being represented here is based on (500) and (250) numbers, or, 1/2 and 1/4 of the total numbers involved. Basically, a player needs to spend less than $500 for a profit on a $1 str8 hit, and, less than $250 for a .50 str8 hit to realize profit or a "true win".
There are exceptions where players submit boxed playslips and will hit str8. This is very desirable because it costs a lot less to play boxed and you still get a str8 payout. Then, there's the str8 play which produces only a boxed hit and ultimately recovers only a portion of the total cost...putting the player in the red. The states have all the advantages, period, because they keep the payout to maximum numbers played ratio in the negative. In other words, the less numbers you play, the less chance of actually winning and making money. More dedicated combinations can be played which greatly increases the hit possibility at a higher cost along with a lesser profit but, the risk of missing the mark and losing a chunk of money equally exists.
Here is the real kicker. A player really isn't making profit or winning money until they've fully recovered all monies played or invested...PERIOD. Until this has happened, they're only either winning back a little here and there, or, still going in the hole. Most players never even take this into account when they realize they've matched the winning numbers. It's like a business...until that initial loan is paid off, salaries are paid out, insurance, etc. etc. no profit is realized. This may sound depressing but, it's the truth and the only way to look at it from a financial perspective. There are alternatives to playing state which will give the player much, much better odds of "truly winning" and "making money" that they can actuall "see". However, legislation has most people afraid to step up to a better world of enjoying these games when, in fact, there's nothing to be afraid of at all.
Better coverage along with more money is the solution here, and, the only way to rebound monies already lost a little quicker. I realize that our states do well with the money they take in but, they could so easily pay out more and allow the players to see more consistent wins. The future of lotto will truly be playing online and not running out to the store to run a bunch of paper tickets like I use to back in the day...only to continue losing. This is a bit drawn out but, I'm just trying to shed some light on the darkness of playing these games in their current structure. The state doesn't miss my money and I surely don't miss just giving it to them either.