Md. Lottery Sales Hit New Record

[BlackSheep]

According to todays news Maryland Lottery sales hit a new record in the fiscal year that ended in June, topping $1.5 billion for the first time and bringing more than $501 million to state coffers and $900 million to players.

Keno and scratch-offs continued to be the lottery's top earners. And several jackpots in the hundreds of millions of dollars in the fall and winter led to a sharp increase in sales of the multistate Mega Millions game.

Most of the $501 million goes to the general fund, with about $20 million going to the state's stadium fund. The numbers represent about 5 percent more than last year's and exceeded budget estimates by $10 million.

*My question is, do you play Keno and/or the lottery and do scratch-offs?
What is the most $$ you have ever won (pssst the IRS doesn't read this board!)
And, do you know anyone who has a real "problem" with playing the lottery or Keno too often?
I've heard some real horror stories!

 

[wxtornado]

*My question is, do you play Keno and/or the lottery and do scratch-offs?
What is the most $$ you have ever won (pssst the IRS doesn't read this board!)
And, do you know anyone who has a real "problem" with playing the lottery or Keno too often?
I've heard some real horror stories!

No, I don't play any of those things. They are games of chance and have a negative expected value (for all you math and statistics types, but you'd already know this). I know someone that won the $100,000 on Keno tho....

 

[BlackSheep]

Do you think these games "prey" on the less fortunate?
I was under the impression the $$ gained from these "games" helped fund education in MD?? 20mil to the stadium fund? Huh??

 

[wxtornado]

Do you think these games "prey" on the less fortunate?
I was under the impression the $$ gained from these "games" helped fund education in MD?? 20mil to the stadium fund? Huh??

I really don't know where the money goes from these thing, but they do seem to be a good revenue stream for the state. You pose a good question about "preying" on the unfortunate. I never thought about it, but it does seem that someone addicted to these thing could get themselves into trouble.

 

[Pete]

The "preying on the less fortunate" argument has been a staple of the anti-lottery crowd for years. I figured it like this; At least the five dollars they spend playing the lotto goes back to educate their kids and not to Schlitz Brewing Company.

 

[ylexot]

Lotteries are a tax on the mathematically challenged. I guess this is an indicator that MD's education system is going down-hill.

 

[wxtornado]

The "preying on the less fortunate" argument has been a staple of the anti-lottery crowd for years. I figured it like this; At least the five dollars they spend playing the lotto goes back to educate their kids and not to Schlitz Brewing Company.

Wow, I didn't even know there was an "anti-lottery" crowd. So these folks try to end lotteries because they think it preys on the less fortunate?

 

[Wenchy]

I won $975 on the old Maryland Lotto.

I found out 6 months later when I found the crumpled ticket in my wallet and had a gal at the convenience store check it. I had to drive to Baltimore to get the check ( 1 # away from 2 million, but what the heck)

I buy on a whim, and then forget about it.

I figure if I ever win a biggie, the paper will have an article: "Winner has not come forward, and the winning ticket was purchased at such and such place."

I see it as innocent fun, but some people gamble their welfare money, or retirement savings on it. That's not cool.

 

[BlackSheep]

The "preying on the less fortunate" argument has been a staple of the anti-lottery crowd for years. I figured it like this; At least the five dollars they spend playing the lotto goes back to educate their kids and not to Schlitz Brewing Company.

That's what I'm inquirying about-how much goes toward education or does any of it. Is there a breakdown posted somewhere? Thanks Pete

 

[BlackSheep]

Ain't this beautiful---(damn public edgamacation)
Operational expense:53+ million
Retailers earnings-97+ million
Prize expense-857+ million
State funded programs-477+ million
Fiscal 2005 sales-1.485+ billion...

 

[ylexot]

Ain't this beautiful---(damn public edgamacation)
Operational expense:53+ million
Retailers earnings-97+ million
Prize expense-857+ million
State funded programs-477+ million
Fiscal 2005 sales-1,485+ billion...

I think that comma is supposed to be a decimal point...BIIIIIIIIIIG difference!

 

[BlackSheep]

I think that comma is supposed to be a decimal point...BIIIIIIIIIIG difference!

Told ya-damn public edgamaction! Thanx xleyot

 

[BuddyLee]

No gambling in MD but they can have the lottery.

 

[Bustem' Down]

Every once and a while I'll throw a dollar at a quick pick. You never know, I might get lucky.