Fool's Gold?
Millions of Americans are reeling during this economic crisis, and as they tighten their belts, retail sales have plunged. But one place where sales are up in many states is the lottery. Despite the staggering odds against a jackpot win, Americans continue to pay for their random chance at riches -- even if, for so many, there is no rainbow and no pot of gold. Chris Bury reports on one family that has cut back on just about everything -- except lottery tickets.
Ref. ABC Nightline
Playing the lottery is just fun for some because they think about the possibility of hitting the jackpot. I guess its just the hope that you can win is enough even if the chances are so slim. Its when you become a fanatic about it I think its no longer fun but a problem.
International Level: Junior Politician / Political Participation: 71 7.1%
The Mega Millions jackpot has increased to $540 million, the largest jackpot in world history, lottery officials say.
The drawing for the massive jackpot will be at 11 p.m. ET on Friday.
Odds of winning the jackpot with a $1 ticket are more than 175 million to 1. Ref. CNN
Maryland lottery officials say a ticket purchased in Baltimore County hit the $640 million Mega Millions jackpot.
The winning Mega Millions numbers were 2, 4, 23, 38, 46 with a Mega Ball of 23. The multistate jackpot has grown to become the largest ever offered that could be won by an individual.
A California Lottery Commission spokesman said 29 tickets sold in that state matched five of the six winning numbers. Ref. CNN
Lottery Tickets - Lotto - Mega Millions (Hover)
One winner in Baltimore County, Maryland. Hopefully, it will be a group of people who purchase the winning ticket so the money will benefit a few individuals rather than one person.
Update: According to CNN.com. Besides the one in Maryland, two other tickets are also the winners one in Kansas and the other one in Illinois.
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 1089 100%
The numbers drawn for the record $550 million Powerball jackpot are: 5, 16, 22, 23, 29 and Powerball of 6. Powerball officials say they believe there is a 75% chance the winning combination will be drawn Wednesday. Ref. USAToday
A 44-year-old immigrant from the Dominican Republic is the winner of a $338 million Powerball lottery jackpot in the U.S. Pedro Quezada told reporters in Spanish on Monday that he's "Very happy," and his first priority will be helping his family. Ref. USAToday