Very true. However, as more lotteries join, the odds of a jackpot split will increase. Main reason I raise the issue is to illustrate there's a flaw in the game, which is counter-intuitive - the more who play, worse the payouts potentially get. Generally not what one expects for a multi-jurisdictional game.
Many players assume such games are well researched, simulated, etc prior to release. And yet numerous games have been released having serious, yet often obvious, flaws. Monopoly Millionaire's Club major flaw was the assumption millions would play and that the slim odds of anyone hitting the "Top Prize" would protect the game. Didn't pan out that way, leading to the game being promptly suspended. Many predicted that would occur right on this very forum.
The most serious flawed lottery game I've ever seen was the original Texas All or Nothing. Distributed playslips included pre-selected options (1-12; 13-24; all even; all odd) that many players inevitably chose. Severe lack of number diversity combined with the nasty flaw of no liability cap. Needless to say after a drawing in which one of the pre-selected options nearly came up completely, Texas Lottery promptly suspended the game, changed the playslips, and added a liability cap. Based on my estimate, the prize liability for some of the pre-selected choices could have been as high as 1/4 $Billion! They dodged a bullet...
Rambling on, but point is the flaws are often very obvious to savvy players well in advance. I spotted the Texas All or Nothing flaw right away and wondered how long it would last; what would happen if there was a big hit.
Another issue with Cash 4 Life is the lower tier prizes can also split. While that also can occur in other games, it seems more probable in Cash 4 Life. An excerpt from the NY Lottery lottery rules - note many occurrences of "unless a liability limit would be exceeded", but it's not clearly indicated as to what it exactly is. Not a good sign.
(h) Prize Liability Limits. In the event that a liability limit would be exceeded for a particular draw, the prize amounts for each level shall be adjusted in accordance with a formula established by the party lotteries so that the aggregate liability for prizes in such draw shall not exceed the liability limit.
(1) Jackpot prize level. A jackpot prize payout shall be divided equally among the number of jackpot winning plays as set forth in this paragraph.
(i) One jackpot prize winner. If there is one jackpot prize winner, the annuitized prize value shall be $7,000 per week for life and the lump sum payment shall be based on the measuring life of the winner.
(ii) Two to 14 jackpot prize-winning plays. If there is more than one and less than or equal to 14 jackpot prize-winning plays, the annuitized payment option, based on a total annuitized prize value of $7,000 per week, shall be divided by the total number of jackpot prize-winning plays. Any of these winners may choose the lump sum option as an alternative to the annuitized payment option, pursuant to subdivision (g) of this section. The amount of a lump sum option for this prize category shall be the amount of the lump sum option if there were only one winner, divided by the total number of jackpot prize winning plays.
(iii) Fifteen or more jackpot prize-winning plays. If there are more than 14 jackpot prize-winning plays, the aggregate jackpot prize liability shall be the liability limit and shall be divided equally among all jackpot prize-winning plays and paid in one lump sum payment to each winner, without an annuitized payment option. The minimum jackpot prize value shall be not less than any lower-tier prize in regard to the same drawing.
(2) Second-level prizes. A second-level prize payout shall be paid as follows:
(i) Each winning play shall be paid $52,000 per year for life or a lump-sum payment based on the measuring life of such claimant, unless a liability limit would be exceeded.
(ii) The minimum prize value for a second-level prize shall be not less than any lower-tier prize in regard to the same drawing.
(iii) If a prize liability limit is exceeded and the annuity prize value of second-prize falls below $500 per week for life all winning plays will be paid in one lump sum payment to each winner, without an annuitized payment option.
(3) A third-level prize shall be paid as a $2,500 lump sum payment, unless a liability limit would be exceeded. A third-level prize shall be rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
(4) Each of the prize levels from four through nine shall be paid as a set, lump sum payment, as set forth in paragraph (3) of subdivision (f) of this section, unless a liability limit would be exceeded.