Iowa Lottery CEO Terry Rich answers your questionsPrev TopicNext Topic

• JAP69

  

  South Carolina
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  November 4, 2001
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  Jan 11, 2016, 8:32 pm

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  With hackers getting into secure computer equipment how can you satisfy the public on their fear of further tampering of computerized drawings? Always reading in the news of some system including government being hacked into. Even if it could be done by radio signals.

  Numbers are where you find them.
• realtorjim

  

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  Jan 11, 2016, 8:32 pm

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  In response to Iowa Lottery

  Quote: Originally posted by Iowa Lottery on Jan 11, 2016

  Here's an analogy to consider: If one person is the victim of credit card fraud, should all credit cards be thrown away and/or outlawed? Any equipment that Eddie Tipton programmed or built or even accessed is no longer in use here in Iowa. That is an important consideration for those concerned about game integrity. In addition, we have done our best to be transparent about what has occurred and to address the changes that have been made. If anything, this case is shining a valuable spotlight on the issue of lottery security, and that's a positive thing.

  Though I, and many other LP'ers, understand the savings involved with utilization of RNG's, there is also a wide understanding of programming.  Parameters must be manually manipulated to simulate randomness.  Thus the ability of the Tipton case to exist.  With use of RNG's this will always be an ability and predominant concern; though unlikely, still a possibility.  If the use of halogen lottery machines dramatically increases trust in the lottery amalgamation, albeit at a proportionately slight increase in expense, why not use them?

    I'm feeling a $312,000,000.00 jackpot win coming my way!
• erdie

  

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  Jan 11, 2016, 8:33 pm

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  Hi Terry, thank you for taking the time out to answer our questions, I would like to know is it  true that the larger states have a better change a hitting the jackpot than the smaller state, or middle class area versus low income areas, I understand that the larger amount put out the better your chances are, if this is the case then why should the smaller states, middle income areas or low income areas waste their money playing, what do you think, does everyone really have a fair chance of hitting the jackpot, like the powerball that is now 1.3 billion, will the winner be the states who brought in the most profit
• sonnet

  

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  Jan 11, 2016, 8:33 pm

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  Hello Mr. Rich, 

  Even if RNGs and ball-drawing equipment have their vulnerabilites, as you've noted, the ball-drawing machines offer the player a modicum of interaction by watching each ball dribbling out of the chute, anticipating the next ball, then talking to the machine to display their desired number and utimately shouting out the next number, even if that ball was different; and the players ticket did not match.   This is much more fun than computer generated digits that simply flash numbers.  Why would any lottery official want to remove the "fun" factor for the player because RNGs are easier to maintain?  For whom is the lottery targetted, the players or the lottery officials?

  ~s
• Iowa Lottery

  

  Clive, Iowa
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  Jan 11, 2016, 8:35 pm

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  In response to grwurston

  Quote: Originally posted by grwurston on Jan 11, 2016

  Hi Terry,
  This has not been the first problem with computer draws (see Tennessee.) Even though every time a computer system gets hacked, whether credit cards, banks, hospital etc. there is always the promise of better security and the promise that everything will be done to prevent it from happening again. But it always does. That being said, why don't the states all go back back to mechanical draws? NOBODY here on LP trusts computer draws. If they want to maintain the integrity of the game it seems ball draws are the only way to go.

  I understand your concern. There have been instances, however, where both ball-drawing equipment and RNGs have been compromised. The critical issue, as you have referenced, is having the security and integrity measures in place to protect against wrong-doing. Someone will always be trying to beat the system, and lotteries constantly have to make improvements to guard against that. The breach of trust in the lottery jackpot investigation stems from the actions of those who apparently were willing to risk the consequences of committing fraud in an attempt to secure a lottery prize.

  Terry

  CEO  Iowa Lottery
• SQL-MAN

  

  Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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  Jan 11, 2016, 8:35 pm

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  In response to Iowa Lottery

  Quote: Originally posted by Iowa Lottery on Jan 11, 2016

  Here's an analogy to consider: If one person is the victim of credit card fraud, should all credit cards be thrown away and/or outlawed? Any equipment that Eddie Tipton programmed or built or even accessed is no longer in use here in Iowa. That is an important consideration for those concerned about game integrity. In addition, we have done our best to be transparent about what has occurred and to address the changes that have been made. If anything, this case is shining a valuable spotlight on the issue of lottery security, and that's a positive thing.

  Was Eddie Raymond Tipton a former computer programmer?  Is it a common practice to hire computer programmers to oversee lottery operations?
• dkwillis2000

  

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  Jan 11, 2016, 8:36 pm

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  Please explain random number generators. NC has an All or Nothing game. You select 12 numbers out of 24. Nearly every draw is six off or six  even numbers.  Hardly seems random. 

  Thank you for being with us tonight.
• JADELottery

  

  Native American Eagle Sun

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  Jan 11, 2016, 8:37 pm

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  It's clear that transparency is not so easy with Computer Generated Numbers.

  Given the virtual nature of the Computer Generated Numbers, what can be done to gain the trust of your lottery customers?

  The One Over None
  I Know...
• Iowa Lottery

  

  Clive, Iowa
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  Jan 11, 2016, 8:38 pm

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  In response to music*

  Quote: Originally posted by music* on Jan 11, 2016

   Do you know if this Power Ball draw will be held somewhere special?   When I win it I intend to only play ball draws no computerized ones. Thank You Terry

  The Powerball drawing has been held at special events all around the country through the years, including state fairs, festivals and rodeos. It takes an incredible amount of security and equipment to move the drawing to another location. Wednesday night's drawing will occur at the Powerball drawing studio in Florida. Can't wait to see if there is a winner!

  Terry

  CEO  Iowa Lottery
• music*

  

  Fresno, California
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  Jan 11, 2016, 8:38 pm

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  "Who guards the guard" as the Ancient Romans said.

   "We are all in this together!" 
• rena201

  

  Wendell NC
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  Jan 11, 2016, 8:40 pm

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  Hello Mr. Rich

  I play NC lottery , i want to know does the lottery have a certain amount it is going to pay out each draw and if so is that why my number always appear in the pre draws.

  and if so are the particular day in which it pays out more than other days.
• gracielott

  

  Naples, Fl
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  Jan 11, 2016, 8:40 pm

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  I have been playing the lottery for 30+ years. While I do not post, I do come to LotteryPost for info on the lottery, results, and to read the forums. The Q&A with you did peak my interest enough to login and ask a few questions directly. Can you encourage other lottery officials or directors to do the same as you did here on LotteryPost? Keeping things transparent is the first step to repair the trust with the public.
• Iowa Lottery

  

  Clive, Iowa
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  Jan 11, 2016, 8:40 pm

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  In response to needinghelp

  Quote: Originally posted by needinghelp on Jan 11, 2016

  Hello Mr. Rich,

  Welcome, How did you hear about Lottery Post?  Do you have a social media department dedicated to monitoring player strategies? Will the $100,000 cash game comeback or another Cash 5 type game? Thanks.

  We've followed Lottery Post for a long time now. It's fun to see the conversations and excitement that people have here. We have a social media staff who do a good job of staying on top of posts and updates. The All or Nothing game replaced Iowa's $100,000 Cash Game and we don't have plans at this time to bring back a cash 5 game. But we always appreciate input and will keep your comment in mind. And I really mean it.

  Terry

  CEO  Iowa Lottery
• HoLeeKau

  

  Idaho
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  Jan 11, 2016, 8:42 pm

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  Hi Mr Rich.  I want to know if each state lottery is required to have x number of dollars on hand to pay million dollar prizes won in their state from Megamillions and/or Powerball.  If so, how much is required?  If not, how much does your state keep on hand.  We're all curious at what point does the second prize go paramutuel.
• minnie mickey

  

  Great City (242)
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  Jan 11, 2016, 8:42 pm

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  Hi Terry how are u , Do u think one day  multi- states can start playing online p3 and p4

  have u ever talk about it ?

  

   

     

  
                     
  

  "I will prepare and some day my chance will come ."