When I go to the track, I’ll put $5 to win on a horse if I like it. If I love a horse, I’ll shell out $10 or $20.
But I can’t imagine anybody in their right mind doing the same thing with their Lotto picks.
As in, “I really like my chances of hitting the 4-11-17-26-39-44 this week. So I’m going to put $3 on those numbers, not just $1.”
Yet that’s what the state is about to allow, in an effort to boost Lotto revenues.
Starting March 5, the Florida Lottery will let Lotto players increase their potential winnings by selling add-on bets to each set of picked numbers.
Those who play the minimum $1 will be eligible for the standard jackpot pool. Those who play for $2 will get an additional $10 million if their numbers hit. And those who play for $3 will get an additional $25 million if they pick all six numbers.
My reaction: Anybody who buys the add-on has to be nuts.
Lotto is already the biggest sucker bet going. For somebody to double or triple their bet on a 23 million-to-1 shot is madness. Shame on the state for trying to boost revenues this way.
Here’s what would have been a better idea: Lowering the minimum bet to 10 cents.
It’s something racetracks have done with longshot gimmick bets such as superfectas. By lowering the minimum, people can get much more bang for their buck, as in 10 different combinations instead of 1.
Imagine if you could get 50 sets of Lotto numbers, not just five, for your weekly $5 quick pick.
That’s something even a sporadic Lotto player like myself could get on board with, even if it meant getting a smaller share of a jackpot.
What do you think? Do you play Lotto? And will you plunk down the extra buck or two for the add-on jackpot?
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