'chips, you possess lots of very good energy here but, it'll be completely and utterly wasted on tryin' to figure out the big games. Why? It can't be figured out or cracked...AT ALL because there are just waaaaaayyyy too many possible combinations. Then, the pre-draws must also be figured in. Buddy, if I were you, I'd channel all that energy to Pick 4 where the combinations are manageable and winning is not hard at all. Man, I didn't even give the $640 Million a second thought...neither did I even play and didn't care. When a serious player figures out to generate good money on the smaller games regularly, it's just fun and entertaining to see the big games rake in all that cash...FOR FREE. 100% PROFIT.
Lots of people went out and spent money on these astronomical odds of winning which they really couldn't afford. But, as you have already stated, the lotteries toy with people's hopes of actually winning with the way they market the jackpots. You quoted "a dollar and a dream" and you're correct as it only takes $1 to win. But, what are the real odds here? If I were to play, I'd spend $5 just as a good round figure because any meal combo this day and time will run that much so it's a wash. In the past, I've spent $5 for QP's on Mega Millions and matched (4) numbers right off the bat. Went back the next draw, spent $20 and HIT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
I personally know people who went out and spent hundreds of dollars trying to win this jackpot and have nothing to show for it but angry/sad emotions. Just terrible but, it's not the lotteries' faults. These folks don't understand what the word ODDS really means here. If the the Powerball was simply reduced in numbers, and, there was no Powerball to match, more frequent winners would be realized almost instantly. It's pretty simple...no magic, no system. Just basic mathematics and a number supply figured in to produce the results/profits which they generate. The only reason I can win like I do on the smaller games is due to number count in relation to the payout structure...I'm supposed to win. However, with the 6/54, MM's, and PB games, theres absolutely no way for me to win unless luck is with every number that's drawn and my Quick Picks follow its' lead. End of story. I'm with you on most of this and nice write up.
L.L.