Powerball: It's all in the numbers

star tribune ^ | Dec. 22, 2002 | Terry Collins

[Lokibob]

5-22-34-39-52 ... and 30, the powerball.

That was the first thing -- and perhaps the only thing -- on the minds of many Powerball lottery players in the wake of Saturday night's drawing for an estimated $216.3 million prize.

But early this morning, officials of the multi-state agency that runs Powerball said there was no winner of the jackpot, pushing the prize for the next drawing -- on Christmas night -- to an estimated $280 million.

[Lokibob]

We are going to have to hear about Powerball mania all week on the news.

Somebody said that the lottery is a tax on the poor, but I really feel that it is a tax on the mathmatically challenged. With the odds of 120 million to 1, you are more likely to be hit with lightning twice in a single year, than be hit with the powerball winner.

All that having been said, it is still fun to dream about this kind of wealth.

[Andy from Beaverton]

The odds of winning are always the same, it's the payout that changes. I didn't waste my money and I haven't since it started. But I just might give in this week.

[toddst]

I didn't waste my money and I haven't since it started. But I just might give in this week.

I have relatives who won something around $20 million a few years ago. Also a local man won about $23 million recently (a couple of drawings back.)

I play every drawing, no matter what the jackpot. I win enough small amounts to stay close to what I spend. As they say, "you can't win if you don't play."

[First Amendment]

IOW, the chance to win is just about the same whether you play or not!

[toddst]

IOW, the chance to win is just about the same whether you play or not!

Well, I'll keep on playing anyway. You can't win if . . . .

[Tennessee_Bob]

All that having been said, it is still fun to dream about this kind of wealth.

Oh, yeah - no kidding. I've told my co-workers - the day I show up in the Porsche, you know I'll only be there for a few minutes.

[Robe]

OK Freepers.......give me 5 numbers between 1- 53
and
one number between 1-42.....
I'll buy a ticket with the number that is in reply 44.....

if we win i'll split it 50- 50...Freepers Honor
What do ya say..
Robe

[Tennessee_Bob]

15, 4, 18, 25, 40

36

[demkicker]

I can't buy a powerball anywhere in Texas, can I? I know I'm 3 times more likely to drown in my own bath tub, but I'll spend a couple of bucks for the fun of it.

[Lokibob]

[princess leah]

I bought $10 in powerball for my parents for Christmas!

[Lokibob]

My 87 year old mother has hit on the perfect Christmas gift for her kids and grandkids who live out of state.

She buys them scratch off tickets from Maine. Since they all live out of state, they have to send the tickets back if they win. She is dumb as a fox. LOL

By the way, I hope your parents win tonite. Merry Christmas.