Only the new $10 crossword seems to be worthwhile playing as the 20X Crossword game it is replacing has 20 out of 22 jackpots claimed. Most of the other $10 games have its top prize claimed ahead of the sales pace.
I have gottent better wins at casinos than the lottery more often in general (though I am on the losing end for both), though the lottery has a potential jackpot that a few casino games can match (Megabucks slots, Wheel Of Fortune slots). I normally play the slots even though I know the house edge/the rules for the majority of table games, more than enough times I have walked away with $200 - $300 with a $100 bankroll. I rarely walk away with a significant winning amount if I end up positive on scratchers. Even when you lose, the casino in consolation will at least get you something in return via the Player's card (show tickets, meals, sundries, hotel stays).
For the lottery, it just takes one...
I never tried playing $5 slots for more than a handful of trigger spins, but looking at the $500 frenzy odds, I think I'd rather explore trying out (100 spins) than getting a book of those tickets next time I go to a casino.
I believe a $50 win was around 1 in 300 for a $3 scratcher in the past before 2009, it took me a while to win one too. But 3 $500 wins, and 6 $200 wins total in my scratchers