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Florida Lottery issues coupons for first time since 1996
Here's what our economy is coming to: Even The Florida Lottery is handing out coupons.
The lottery sent a coupon flyer to 7.8 million homes last week, with buy-one, get-one-free offers and information on a new "second-chance" drawing. Lottery sales are down about 7 percent from last year, and there's a need to generate interest in some of its lesser-known games, said the Lottery's Jackie Barreiros.
"We're not just Powerball and Lotto," she said. "People sometimes forget that."
The tickets are for: Buy-one get one for $1 scratch-off, $2 scratch-off, Fantasy Five and Mega Money tickets; $2 off any $5 scratch-off ticket; $5 off a Billion Dollar Blockbuster ticket.
Total savings: $12.
The Lottery's goal was to deliver coupons to every household in the state. If you didn't get your coupons, go to the district lottery office in West Palm Beach, she said. But you have to sign for them.
"We’re just not handing them out blindly to everyone," she said.
The sales effect: "Too soon to tell."
My take: It's not quite like getting free money but it sure cuts into the percentages. With the lottery games overall taking 50 percent of what you wager, a two-for-one makes it an even bet.
By the way, horse racing pays back 80 percent and slots more than 90 percent.
The lottery also is promoting the Billion Dollar Blockbuster second-chance game. You go to FlaLottery.com, register your non-winning Billion Dollar Blockbuster ticket, with name and e-mail address; they start drawings on April 6 and email you if you win.
It's the first time since 1996 coupons have been issued.
So, will the coupons entice you to play more? I haven't played in years, but now the price is right.
Also, since you're here on the gambling blog, check my main page and skim through all the other articles about local casinos, the state legislature and the compact and a goofy way to calm your poker nerves.
And if you want to just go totally crazy, just bookmark me. I think it's worth your time.
NICK SORTAL began playing 3-card "gut" and "Indian poker" on high school band trips, early training for his...
Comments
I used all of the coupons, spending $23. I won $2 on a $2 ticket, and $10 on the $5 ticket. I still have tonight's Mega Money tickets to go, and so far I'm down $11. Ehh.
Posted by: countrydarts | March 31, 2009 6:21 PM
I don't play the lottery, but you woulda thought Christmas came early for my husband. Not only did he play his, he "stole" his Mother's, got them from the neighbor, asked people at work......!!!
Posted by: KCK | March 31, 2009 8:42 PM
the lotto should not be pushing it's product. people that want to play, know where to go, people that can't control their gambling don't these ads their face all the time.
you don't see smoking ads?
politicians are greedy and will steal from anyone given the chance.
Posted by: chuck | April 1, 2009 8:21 AM
Chuck,
Same old TIRED arguments. Seems to me I see beer ads all the time and it has yet to entice me to drink the horrid stuff. Nor, have I run to the doctor to get whatever the latest prescription medicine that is being hyped.
As much of a poker player as I am, I don't play the lottery and can walk right past the slots at Hard Rock.
I am totally tired of people like you, who want to "protect" me from everything.
Posted by: KCK | April 1, 2009 8:42 AM
Duh, dump the PowerBall. The Lotto should be 80M by now, not 43M for as many times it has rolled over.
Posted by: walt porter | April 1, 2009 9:06 AM
A lot of people I know have said they never received the coupons. I know I did not. Is it the mail carrier?
Posted by: Katrina | April 2, 2009 5:07 PM
A lot of people I know have said they never received the coupons. I know I did not. Is it the mail carrier?
Posted by: Katrina | April 2, 2009 5:07 PM
I think it's a great idea to give out these 2for 1's For me it seems to take the sting out of buying.
thank you.
Posted by: George Vandenburgh | April 28, 2009 2:29 PM
I think it's a great idea to give out these 2for 1's For me it seems to take the sting out of buying.
thank you.
Posted by: George Vandenburgh | April 28, 2009 2:29 PM
I think it's a great idea to give out these 2for 1's For me it seems to take the sting out of buying.
thank you.
Posted by: George Vandenburgh | April 28, 2009 2:29 PM
How do I enter the chance to wind 2010 Flord MustangConvertible withmy nonewinning 20.00 tBillion Blockbuster ticket
Posted by: Eileen Deery | May 15, 2009 11:51 AM
How do I enter the chance to wind 2010 Flord MustangConvertible withmy nonewinning 20.00 tBillion Blockbuster ticket
Posted by: Eileen Deery | May 15, 2009 11:51 AM