Any frequent instant game lotto players? Any advice

[Fordham-NY]

While I'd never go to a casino and play any games, I am noticing the gas station I drive to each day on the way to work, which I know sells lotto games. While still gambling, I somehow don't consider it gambling. I also only plan on spending loose change, which is so annoying and sits around so long that I don't even consider it money. I guess by economics this useless jingling stuff is worth far more to me on a long shot at winning a hundred dollars, than sitting on my nightstand.

But I recognize the reality of not getting struck by lightning twice as well as winning a 1 in 4 billion 100 million lotto jackpot; but what about the instant scratch and play games? I did some checking at the North Carolina lotto website and saw that they list them all, along with the amount you can win, odds and cost (1-5 dollars mostly).

Anybody have some wisdom to share about playing games like this? Odds, play this type, not that, etc.

I'm living in North Carolina currently.

Thanks
Brian

PS I'm of legal age, and don't think I'm violating forum rule #5 which seems like it pertains to posts like this. Just thought there might be some people out there who have a method to the madness.

[Ray MacDonald]

Moved to Cafe.

[Wellington]

You would have better luck playing slots/table games. Scratch offs are just state run fund raisers.

[CADstraps]

You'll do better at a blackjack table, which typically has the worst odds on the floor.

I'm no fan of scratch tickets - one or two always inevitably find thier way into birthday, etc cards every year, and then the worst happens: you win. Not $50k - a free ticket, or like $3. Then, what are you supposed to do? Throw it out? Of course not - not even a rich person would responsably throw out a $3 bill. So, you go ask for your $3 and feel sheepish. At least years ago, I still smoked and could justify the trip to the store and $3 in lotto winnings to subsidise a packet of darts. 2 years ago I was given a ticket in a Christmas stocking that I won a free ticket with... that won a free ticket. This happened 5 times in a row. Worst week ever.

[drickster]

reference the end of the movie Real Genius for a practical representation of how to win the lottery :)

[drickster]

ps just play for fun. the odds aren't worth it.

reference the end of the movie Real Genius for a practical representation of how to win the lottery :)

[Fordham-NY]

Ok, seems like another long shot. But from seeing people drop up to $20, $25 on one game, I thought there was something some people swore to, even as unlikely lottos are.

[drickster]

They are playing for a "streak" Like on slot machines when someone gets up and you sit down and then hit for a while.While the distribution of prizes should be completely random or else you could predict a winner. randomness is (in the short term) not totally random. Flip a coin a hundred times and you get a distribution pretty close to 50/50 (usually), but if you look at those hundred tosses you have groups of heads and tails. If you bet on heads during a streak of them you would win more. If you wait to long your probability goes back to closer to 50/50....

Ok, seems like another long shot. But from seeing people drop up to $20, $25 on one game, I thought there was something some people swore to, even as unlikely lottos are.

[Fordham-NY]

That's pretty logical, it takes me back to statistics in college. I'm still trying to think of something to do with $2 in pennies though. I hate those things, one of my pet peeves.

[drickster]

That's pretty logical, it takes me back to statistics in college. I'm still trying to think of something to do with $2 in pennies though. I hate those things, one of my pet peeves.

Penny someone into a room. If they have an outward opening door (hinges towards you), insert as many pennies as you can into the gaps between the door and jam. Make sure to go all the way around. It's a great prank!