Mega Millions: $5 for previous $2 draw rollover is unfair!Prev Topic Next Topic

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DrMiracle

MARYLAND
United States
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December 5, 2011
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Apr 5, 2025, 5:17 pm

Why am I being asked to pay $5 for a Mega Millions ticket that merely rolls over from the previous $2 draw? This practice is unjustifiable. The charge should only apply when the jackpot resets, and it should begin at no less than $50 million. The current system is inequitable. If the rollover persists for another three months, I would be compelled to pay $5 for each and every draw—this is not reasonable. This approach raises serious concerns about fairness.

Well, people don’t speak out as much these days in the U.S., and we're seeing plenty of chaos, including in the lottery world.

"Listen with the intent to understand, not the intent to reply " - Stephen Covey
Coin Toss

Zeta Reticuli Star System
United States
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Apr 5, 2025, 9:11 pm

The change in the ticket price was annouinced quite a while ago. It gave the specific date for the change, it did not say 'After the current jack[pt is hit.'

Those who run the lotteries love it when players look for consistency in something that's designed not to have any. So many systems, so many theories, so few jackpot winners.

There is one and only one 'proven' system, and that is to book the action. No matter the game, let the players pick their own losers.
DrMiracle

MARYLAND
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Apr 5, 2025, 11:25 pm

Quote: Originally posted by Coin Toss on Apr 5, 2025
The change in the ticket price was annouinced quite a while ago. It gave the specific date for the change, it did not say 'After the current jack[pt is hit.'

All I’m saying is, they should have waited until this rollover amount is won, then reset the prize to $50 million and raise the ticket price to $5. But instead, they just picked a date — after April 4 — and said tickets now cost $5, even though the current rollover amount started at $20 million.

"Listen with the intent to understand, not the intent to reply " - Stephen Covey
DrMiracle

MARYLAND
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Apr 5, 2025, 11:49 pm

I know, as I’ve seen, that most lottery players sitting in the store, watching those TV panels, would never ask these questions. They simply accept what’s presented to them, unaware of how the system may be working against their best interests. These players, who may not fully understand the changes being made, deserve a system that treats them with fairness and respect. It is our responsibility to speak up for them, to ensure they are not left voiceless in the face of decisions that affect their participation.

"Listen with the intent to understand, not the intent to reply " - Stephen Covey
JustMaybe

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January 2, 2023
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Apr 6, 2025, 1:04 am

Quote: Originally posted by DrMiracle on Apr 5, 2025
I know, as I’ve seen, that most lottery players sitting in the store, watching those TV panels, would never ask these questions. They simply accept what’s presented to them, unaware of how the system may be working against their best interests. These players, who may not fully understand the changes being made, deserve a system that treats them with fairness and respect. It is our responsibility to speak up for them, to ensure they are not left voiceless in the face of decisions that affect their participation.

I think one does not need to be a rocket scientist to have this simple train of thought.

"The current MM jackpot started at $20M and am now supposed to pay $5 for a ticket. I will choose not to play this run until the jackpot is won and resets at $50M, then I will come in at the $5 price point"

That is a simple decision to make.

"most lottery players sitting in the store, watching those TV panels, would never ask these questions. They simply accept what’s presented to them, unaware of how the system may be working against their best interests. These players, who may not fully understand the changes being made, deserve a system that treats them with fairness and respect"

Based on the above comment, I am not surprised when it is alleged that most lottery players even after winning astronomical sums get broke somehow - if they don't understand what they are playing, I don't see how they will manage $100M 🤔

I believe winning the lottery jackpot is a 💯 % factor of luck.

May Fortuna, goddess of chance or lot vindicate me.
KY Floyd

NY
United States
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October 16, 2005
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Apr 6, 2025, 2:53 pm

"All I’m saying is, "

That you have a poor grasp of reality. The first advertised jackpot for the new game is $54 million instead of the normal (new) starting jackpot of $50 million. Apparently you'd be happier if somebody had won on Friday night and Wednesday's drawing was offering you a chance for $50 million instead of a chance for $54 million.
rcbbuckeye

100

Texas
United States
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October 23, 2007
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Apr 6, 2025, 9:59 pm

I was confused about the 50 million griping also after noticing the jackpot is at 54 million.

Oh well....

JUST LOOK AT THE ODDS OF ANY JACKPOT GAME, THAT WILL TELL YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
lakerben

50

New Mexico
United States
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January 29, 2010
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Apr 6, 2025, 10:11 pm

The multipliers are better. I bought 4 tickets today .

Win!
Coin Toss

Zeta Reticuli Star System
United States
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January 17, 2006
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Apr 6, 2025, 11:45 pm

Quote: Originally posted by DrMiracle on Apr 5, 2025
All I’m saying is, they should have waited until this rollover amount is won, then reset the prize to $50 million and raise the ticket price to $5. But instead, they just picked a date — after April 4 — and said tickets now cost $5, even though the current rollover amount started at $20 million.

Don't let the $3 difference in the ticket cost you a potential $54 million.

Those who run the lotteries love it when players look for consistency in something that's designed not to have any. So many systems, so many theories, so few jackpot winners.

There is one and only one 'proven' system, and that is to book the action. No matter the game, let the players pick their own losers.
DrMiracle

MARYLAND
United States
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December 5, 2011
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Apr 7, 2025, 9:57 am

I recognize that the question posed may carry a degree of technical complexity—not easily digested by all. But I’m really glad so many people took the time to respond. For that, I’m genuinely grateful.

"Listen with the intent to understand, not the intent to reply " - Stephen Covey
Lotto Motto

Miami Florida
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March 16, 2025
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Apr 11, 2025, 7:02 am

The Mega Millions price more than doubled. That's crazy. If you used to buy a Polo shirt at $50 and it now cost about $125, most people would have decided to not buy that shirt. I can't be MM is now $5 when it used to be only $2. Crazy hike.
Stack47

Kentucky
United States
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February 14, 2006
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Apr 14, 2025, 11:14 pm

Quote: Originally posted by DrMiracle on Apr 5, 2025
Why am I being asked to pay $5 for a Mega Millions ticket that merely rolls over from the previous $2 draw? This practice is unjustifiable. The charge should only apply when the jackpot resets, and it should begin at no less than $50 million. The current system is inequitable. If the rollover persists for another three months, I would be compelled to pay $5 for each and every draw—this is not reasonable. This approach raises serious concerns about fairness.

Well, people don’t speak out as much these days in the U.S., and we're seeing plenty of chaos, including in the lottery world.

It looks like you're suggesting because they ended the game, the jackpot should roll down when it wasn't hit. Probably didn't because they only changed the Mega ball and it was lowered. Or because of players like me that only played when it was likely the jackpot be won. would have jumped right in a roll down.

"Some people have something to say while other people feel the need to say something"
weshar75

Mcminnville, Oregon
United States
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December 13, 2003
6,178 Posts
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Apr 15, 2025, 12:10 am

I play the new mega millions game because I only buy one ticket for it and powerball with powerplay for the entire month at the beginning of the month. If I win a prize I use it for the next months tickets so they are lower for me. I rarely win but when I do I am happy because I could of lost on that particular drawing. But it is fun to dream what if I get lucky tonight!-weshar75
Lotterologist

Michigan
United States
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March 30, 2006
3,906 Posts
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Apr 16, 2025, 3:32 pm

Quote: Originally posted by DrMiracle on Apr 5, 2025
Why am I being asked to pay $5 for a Mega Millions ticket that merely rolls over from the previous $2 draw? This practice is unjustifiable. The charge should only apply when the jackpot resets, and it should begin at no less than $50 million. The current system is inequitable. If the rollover persists for another three months, I would be compelled to pay $5 for each and every draw—this is not reasonable. This approach raises serious concerns about fairness.

Well, people don’t speak out as much these days in the U.S., and we're seeing plenty of chaos, including in the lottery world.

Like P.T Barnum once said, "There's a sucker born every minute", and that's what they think lottery players are.
positano

United States
Member #186,034
November 30, 2017
42 Posts
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Apr 17, 2025, 7:44 am

Quote: Originally posted by DrMiracle on Apr 5, 2025
Why am I being asked to pay $5 for a Mega Millions ticket that merely rolls over from the previous $2 draw? This practice is unjustifiable. The charge should only apply when the jackpot resets, and it should begin at no less than $50 million. The current system is inequitable. If the rollover persists for another three months, I would be compelled to pay $5 for each and every draw—this is not reasonable. This approach raises serious concerns about fairness.

Well, people don’t speak out as much these days in the U.S., and we're seeing plenty of chaos, including in the lottery world.

Be aware that the jackpot from previous draws actually boost the expected win for everybody that plays thereafter.

So, what you consider a "unjustifiable practice" is actually a benefit for you.

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