Which is better ??Prev TopicNext Topic

• rundown99

  

  United States
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  August 14, 2002
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  Sep 5, 2002, 9:52 pm

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  While on the topic about probability and chance, which of you guys buy a moderate number of tickets, and which of you wait until the jackpot gets larger to buy a large number of tickets.  Do you prefer to buy $10 worth of tickets each drawing OR do you prefer to wait and buy $100 worth of tickets in a drawing after two months?  After all, buying more tickets increase your chances of winning. 
• rdarmand

  

  United States
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  September 4, 2002
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  Sep 6, 2002, 8:14 pm

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  I have a lottery budget, and it's pretty small. I just
  
  buy a single multi-draw ticket in a couple of different
  
  lotteries, the theory being that one chance in a zillion
  
  is infinitely better odds than no chance at all. In
  
  other words, I don't really play the odds. I'm just in
  
  there because I have no chance at all if I don't play.

  Where n is equal to the number of tickets bought, the odds of winning in the MegaMillions lottery is given by 1 - [(1 - 0.023399196957)^n]
• Thomas Covenant

  

  South Carolina
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  July 16, 2002
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  Sep 6, 2002, 10:18 pm

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  I think the best way to do it is to wait until the expected payout is greater than the odds. For example, for megamillions, wait until the expected payout is greater than 135 million(jackpot should equal somewhere around 365 million) then buy a bunch of tickets.
• visiondude

  

  light on my feet
  United States
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  May 20, 2002
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  Sep 7, 2002, 1:03 am

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  thomas, haven't you found any music that goes with your avatar?  something like "wild horses couldn't drag me away".  or the theme song to mr Ed?

  come on now,  you have to complete the "picture".................."V"
• OldHank

  

  United States
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  June 15, 2002
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  Sep 7, 2002, 11:37 am

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  In Texas, for Lotto Texas, I buy 1 ticket for every drawing, no matter what the jackpot is.  I just as soon have $4M as $100M...it really doesn't matter to me.  Besides, I tend to sway towards VisionDude's theory: if it's MY time, my 1 ticket will win.....after all, they only draw 6 numbers (1 set), so the other picks(money spent) are just wasted.

  You got my opinion.

  OldHank
• visiondude

  

  light on my feet
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  May 20, 2002
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  Sep 7, 2002, 3:22 pm

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  old hank,  my friend how are you? all is well with you is my hope.  the theory that we agree on :  "if it is my turn, i will.  if it's not, i won't".  it is a much better way to live.  that way there is no expectation or disappointment. people are constantly trying to force a situation to happen that may never come. that leads to desperation. winning even a huge jackpot would not define my life.  my life has "definition" that surpasses any circumstance in life. my happiness isn't based on whether i like my circumstances or not.  money in any amount could not change my outlook or core character.

  in order for one to have peace in their life they must live in a contented "state" as if they will never  win. that way if it is their "turn",  it is icing on the cake. i read a book by the author robert sandford, "infinite financial freedom".  subtitled : "what to do before and after you win the lottery".  great preparation book.  it address life even if you don't win and prepares you if it should happen to you. check your local library. the best book i have ever read concerning the lottery. the book aids in giving one a proper perspective on this subject.  it removes the desperation factor and replaces it with the proper perspective - PLAY FOR FUN.   glad to hear from you.  much love,

  ..................................visiondude
• megamillionaire

  

  Queens, NY
  United States
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  April 15, 2002
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  Sep 7, 2002, 3:52 pm

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  I buy a set amount for each drawing. If I win smaller prizes, I roll them over by buying more plays in whichever game has the biggest jackpot at that time.

  Megamillionaire

  Time is a wonderful teacher, but it kills all its students.

  A man must consider what a rich realm he leaves when he becomes a conformist.
• lottocheatah

  

  Canada
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  June 6, 2002
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  Sep 8, 2002, 11:47 am

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  It all boils down to.. you
• MichiganHopeful

  

  United States
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  August 8, 2002
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  Sep 8, 2002, 12:32 pm

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  I agree lotto cheatah!!