|
Dear Lotto Commission,
Thank you for the opportunity to let you know that I "DO NOT" agree with the proposed changes.
The Texas Lottery Commission is making a huge profit on all lotto sold here in Texas, but they are returning only a relatively small amount of these profits back to the people who are players.
Hey Lottery Commission - let's not forget where all your profits are coming from - The People of Texas. Don't you think you should be finding more ways for the Texas Players to shore a more equitable piece of these profits? Why are you trying to deprive the playing public of a fare share? Instead of finding more and more ways to keep a larger share - you should be finding more and more ways to share these proceeds with the people that make your jobs possible. Getting a little greedy are we? If the shares do not become more equitable and winning prizes increased, you will be finding my name on a petition to abolish the Lottery, and not on this petition which is asking only that you be fair. We don't object to you're taking the lions share of the prizes, but if you continue to gobble up your lambs - you will wake one day and find that these sheep had been sheared too many times - and too often!
Thank you!
Judy R
Great Job Dawn,
I found Mr. Busalds' numbers and The Commissions later statement quite interesting! One of those things you know The Lottery Commission would never do intentionally. Does the word FRAUD fit? Just what were these people doing before they became Commissioners, or is everything that goes wrong G-Techs fault?
I'm trying to be civil however, this stinks. Somehow the word has to get out that the battle line has just been drawn and the fight is far from over.
By the way, if their numbers were so far off....do you think any of their figures are reliable? Such as how many tickets are really sold, how much money is really coming in, and what percentages really go where? Has me asking, "Which fox is watching the henhouse tonight?". Is this information part of the public record? It would be interesting to compare the Lotterys' claims, versus a true accounting. Not that I'm not a trusting individual, just that everything that comes out of that outfit seems to be a little short on truth. (Yes, I believe they are honest regarding the drawings and the monies. They are simply NOT telling the whole story in their press releases and using "pencil pushers" techniques in quoting their sales pitches. However, I plan to issue a press release in the very near future so hopefully, the press will see what the Commission is not telling the people. If they run our story, the people of Texas will be madder than the dickens!)
Guy W.
Dear Ms Nettles,
Since you have had your web site, I have been a faithful follower and customer. I find your site to be informational and for the most part, and current up to the minute.
For a little background, since the inception of the Lotto, I have been playing the lottery two times each week, on both Wednesday and Saturday. On both those days, I purchase a $5 dollar ticket. I pick two numbers, and use the other $3 for quick picks. Once, I had 4 numbers hit ($122 winner), and nine times, I have had three numbers hit for $27 dollars in winnings. To date, I have had a total of $149 in winnings.
So that you won't have to do the math, I have invested approximately $1820, leaving me with a net loss of $1671. With prayers and hope that I may someday win, I know that in order to win, I must have a ticket to get there! I know that this definitely helps my odds!
When I first read in the Dallas Morning News that the Lottery Commission had decided to increase our odds by adding 4 more balls, I felt like I had been slapped in the face. Just what kind of an idiot do they think I am, not to mention the rest of the good folks of Texas, and the foreigners that cross Texas state lines to buy tickets.
After the Lotto Commission announcement, I saw your web site start to build, and I am now pleased to know that I am not the only Texan that feels violated by those women in Austin.
It will concern me if Governor Bush allows these obvious lies to the governing body of commissioners. By lies I mean, these questions were answered the way they wanted the commissioners to hear them. What gives them the right to make arbitrary decisions so freely? In any case, they have figured out, that in their infinite wisdom, all they (those Women) have to do is pick a story and stick with it, and at the same time, tell 'em what they need to hear. It stinks, but there seems to be a trend in our society for some folks to be able to pull this sort of thing off.
What will happen if these changes are made, and they ultimately backfire? Will the Lottery employees say, "Ooops, we goofed" like the states of New York and California did? And, will anyone lose their job? Or, will they simply be allowed to continue their efforts to keep things stirred up (Like the Texas Million)?
For me, it makes me feel very uncomfortable, uneasy, and downright nervous. In any other business situation, those employees would have to resign, and basically, take a hike! Let's call for their jobs; they have earned that disrespect! Just who do they think they really are, and how could they possibly believe that they are that important?
About every week to ten days, some of my friends and I get together to play penny ante poker. The pot seldom gets to be larger than eight or ten dollars, but most of the time, it averages about three dollars. I have yet to hear the dealer announce that the pot is guaranteed to be a certain amount. I doubt that my friends would be fools enough to do something like that.
So why does Governor Bush, the Texas Legislators, and (the blind) Lottery Commissioners allow those women to play negative economics based on falling interest rates?
I understand that they want to increase cash flow and pay-outs. Instead of increasing the number of balls and increasing the odds, why don't they decrease the odds by reducing the number of balls to 49, and pay out what is in the pot? Speaking for myself, and probably most of my fellow Texans, we would not only stand a better chance of recouping our investments, but we might even spend a little more money. I don't believe that I'm off base here.
Finally, I recognize that there is a war going on. The combatants consist of an honest woman in Texas (and a whole bunch of her fellow Texans) against a group of Lottery employees in Austin. There should be no question as to who should win this battle.
This is one time that our elected politicians had best pay attention to what the Lottery Commission employees are trying to pull off, and at the same time, listen to (and hear) their constituents. The time has come for every Texan, that plays the lottery, to stand up and be heard.
Ms Nettles, I am copying in the Texas Lottery, Governor Bush, each and every State Congressman and Senator, and every newspaper that you have linked on your site. If I had the E Mail address of every Texan, I'd send them a copy of this E Mail too!
I greatly respect what you are working to accomplish for the State of Texas. Perhaps the intelligent politicians of Texas should appoint you to the Lottery Commission. At least the sensible people of Texas would be represented.
Respectfully,
Putt F.
|
|
|
September 16, 1999
Ms. Dawn Nettles
The Lotto Report
P.O. Box 495033
Garland, TX 75049-5033
Dear Ms. Nettles:
On behalf of the Texas Lottery Commission, I applaud your efforts to educate our players about the Texas Lottery and upcoming changes. I also assume your intentions are to provide accurate information that will be useful to your subscribers. However, I am compelled to bring to your attention several incorrect statements on your Internet website regarding proposed changes to our Lotto Texas game. (Thank-you and YES, I do want to provide accurate and complete information.)
Top
First, it appears you may not understand what is being proposed with the addition of a seventh number, the "bonus ball." Lotto Texas players will continue playing the game as they do now by choosing six numbers from 1 to 54. This can be done by either using the Quick Pick feature or self-selection method. The player does not select the seventh number. All winning numbers will be drawn from the same drawings-drum. The first six numbers are to be selected from the 1-54 number balls, as proposed. The seventh number, or "bonus ball," is to be selected from the remaining 48 numbered balls in the same container. The bonus ball is truly just that, a bonus ball. (What you are referring to here was an incorrect statementon my part that appeared on your "press release" page. Ironically, that statement or statements were only there for approximately 24 hours before being corrected. I am not confused on this issue and I believe my site clearly says the same thing as you just did. But, I did have an error so I hope you will accept my sincerest apologies for that mistake.)
Top
Secondly you write, "panic struck the Commission - So came the idea to cut the percentages so the state could make their quota in spite of lagging sales." This is simply not true. The Texas Legislature directed the Texas Lottery to lower prize payout percentages following the 75th Legislative session. This action was not taken by the Texas Lottery Commission. The Legislature subsequently reversed that decision during the 76th session restoring the prize payout percentage to previous levels. (I'm sorry again. I suppose my statement should be, "panic struck the Legislature." I apologize for blaming the Commission instead of the Legislature. By the way, is the Legislature the one who told ya'll to add the 4 balls?)
Top
Third you write, "Let's see, we take 50% right off the top for administrative expenses, that leaves 50% of all sales for prizes." Your statement is simply not true. The facts
are as follows: only 7%--not 50%--is set aside for administrative expenses, 50% goes back to players in the form of prizes, 5% is paid to our hard-working retailers in the form of commissions, and 38% is returned to the state and deposited in the Foundation School Fund in support of public education. (Yes, you've got me again. I knew when I used the term "administrative expenses" that I was using it "loosly." But I was too lazy to look up the breakdown which I should have done in all fairness to you. You'll be pleased to know that I fixed it last week. We both know we can certainly depend on the Commission's attorneys to "proof" the "wording" so as to always be "legally" correct in our statements. I erred and you're right, the People of Texas should not be mislead regarding the 50% right off the top. And I am guilty as charged. So again, I sincerely apologize.)
Top
Fourth, you seem confused about the statistical odds of the proposed game. While it is true, the odds of winning the top jackpot prize will increase by approximately 10 million, to 1 in 15.8 million to 1 in 25.8 million--the overall odds for winning any prize decreases! In fact, the proposed changes are predicted to greatly increase the number of game winners. (NO, I am not confused on this one. The "Catch 22" here is the use of the words "statistical odds," "odds," "overall odds" and "predicted." No doubt, the "overallodds" of winning "with 8 ways to win" vs " 4 ways to win" is definitely better "statistically." BUT, what you don't say here is that the "odds" of winning increases like the "top jackpot prize increases" because of the 4 new numbers to select from. Your sentences and press releases are "legally worded" and the people of Texas and the press don't always understand this. No matter how many numbers you draw out of the 50 or 54 balls, the number of combinations one has to match for a 3 of 6, 4 of 6, 5 of 6, 6 of 6, 3 of 7, 4 of 7, 5 of 7 or 6 of 7 remains the same. And there are more combinations using 54 balls than there are using 50 balls. But, of course, the more numbers you draw, the better the odds and that's the "Catch 22" you are portraying to the people. In so far as the word 'predicted,' it's the same as which horse is ' predicted' to win!
Below is a breakdown of how many combinations there are in 50 vs 54 balls.
|
Total Combinations In Matching ...
Remember, we still select 6 numbers
|
| Match 6 out of 50 numbers |
15,890,700 Combinations |
| Match 6 out of 54 numbers |
25,827,165 Combinations |
| Match 5 out of 50 numbers |
2,118,760
Combinations |
| Match 5 out of 54 numbers |
3,162,510
Combinations |
| Match 4 out of 50 numbers |
230,300
Combinations |
| Match 4 out of 54 numbers |
316,251
Combinations |
| Match 3 out of 50 numbers |
19,600
Combinations |
| Match 3 out of 54 numbers |
24,804
Combinations |
Top
Fifth, you write "There is not one player in Texas who intentionally buys a Lotto Texas ticket in hopes of winning $3, $5, $25, $250, $1,000 or $10,000." Perhaps you are correct. However, our research collected in talking with our players appears to contradict your hypothesis. While it is true that most players are hoping to win the big jackpot, our player research tells us they are also extremely supportive and excited by the increased chance of winning larger low-tier prizes as well. (First, I must say that I think that there is an interpretation problem in what you hear the players saying. I think they are saying, "Hey, all I can win is a lousy $3 occasionally. I'm tired of losing week after week so I've quit donating to the state." Players have quit one by one because it's too hard to win. Ask any clerk in any retail outlet who sells Lotto tickets. Second, the Lotto is the big game for big payouts. In your proposed plan, you've actually lowered some payouts but you failed to mention this in your press release. Your press release reads, "Increasing the lower-tier prize amounts from an average $3-$1,500 to $5-$10,000" Talk about misleading and inaccurate? But from a legal standpoint, you're saved because you say "average." You are making the same mistake now that was made years ago regarding revenues going to education. It is or was a "play" on words coupled with an interpretation of what was meant that caused all the controversy over the past 7 years. The same thing will cause controversy in the future if you make these changes based on your sales tactics to the People of Texas. This will literally BLOW up in your face and the press will eat you alive. Your words sound good, are "legally" correct and GREAT for promoting changes. But, let's look at the cold hard facts.
New Proposed Payouts
|
| Match |
Pay |
Comment |
| 3 of 6 |
$5 |
Payout is $2 higher but harder to win - 4 more balls - Remember? |
| 2 of 6 plus 7th number |
$5 |
New - Payout is $2 higher!This is
equivalent to picking 3
out of 7 numbers but out of 54 balls - again harder to win. |
| 4 of 6 |
$25 |
Payout considerably lower & much harder to win because of the 4 new balls. This payout is a RIP OFF! |
| 3 of 6 plus 7th number |
$25 |
New - Payout considerably lower - This is equivalent to picking 4 out of 7 numbers drawn. But could be easier to win since there's a 7th number drawn! I guess this is why your lowered the payout? Huh? This payout is a RIP OFF too! |
| 4 of 6 plus 7th number |
$250 |
New - This is equivalent to picking 5 out of 7 numbers drawn. Payout lower but could be easier to win because of the 7th number drawn! Is this why it pays only $250 for having 5 numbers? |
| 5 of 6 |
$1000 |
Payout considerably lower & much harder to win than before - 4 new balls. What, are you allowing for those $250 winners? This is the biggest RIP OFF of all! |
| 5 of 6 plus 7th number |
$10,000 |
New - This is equivalent to picking 6 out of 7 numbers. Picking 6 numbers - This is what we've been trying to do for years but only out of 50 numbers! Players should play Cash 5 - At least we only have to pick 5 out of 39 balls - 575,757 to one odds and with a much higher payout! |
| 6 of 6 |
Big Jackpot |
Same as always but
Much harder to win! NO, NO, NO!
|
Basically, you've increased the $3 payout to $5 but you lowered the 4 of 6 and 5 of 6 payouts plus you've made winning the big jackpot and in all actuality, all jackpots, considerably harder to win by adding the 4 balls. For players who have the "bonus - 7th" number, they will win $5, $25, $250, or maybe $10,000. But I predict there won't be many $10,000 winners! And for these payouts, why play Lotto Texas? Players would certainly be better off playing Cash 5 and Pick3. Shoot, according to ya'll, the odds are better at winning $300, $10,000, $25,000 or $1 Million playing the Texas Million. )
Admittedly, your sole purpose is to increase the "big jackpot" so players will come from everywhere to buy Texas Lotto tickets which will result in an increase in sales for you. The only way you can "guarantee" the jackpot will "grow," is by making it harder to win which is exactly what you are doing - yet you want us to believe there is something GOOD about your proposed changes? It just doesn't add up - now does it?
Top
Perhaps you could remind your subscribers that out of all states conducting two Lotto drawings each week, Texas is tied for 1st place with California in offering the largest beginning jackpot amount--$4 million. However, sales have been consistently declining at this level of play. The proposed changes to the game would help the jackpot grow to larger amounts, thus attracting more players to the game and allowing sales to increase. Without these changes--Lotto Texas is most assuredly on a course of no return where the beginning jackpot amount will have to be lowered perhaps to $3 million! (Soooo .... Lower the jackpot - We don't care if California beats us. They should beat us - they have a population of 33,252,000, they pay out 52.5% of their total sales and they don't have 54 balls. As you know, California currently draws 6 of 51. On Oct. 18, 1986, they drew 6 of 49. On June 23, 1990, they increased to 6 of 53. The people rebelled and finally on Dec. 18, 1991, they went back to 6 of 51. New York, on the other hand, started at 6 of 40 in 1978. In 1985, they went to 6 of 44 then to 6 of 48. In April 1988, they went to 6 of 54. Finally, on March 3, 1999, they went from 6 of 54 back to to 6 of 51. New York says the people are still demanding 6 of 50. Also, New York guarantees $4 million if a new jackpot starts on a Saturday and $3 million if it starts on a Wednesday. How is it fair and of what importance is this to us to compare our jackpots with other states? Lotto Texas is OUR game and we do NOT want 54 balls. It would take a fool to duplicate these mistakes as Texas will undoubtly have the same disastrous results as California and New York did if these change are approved by the Commissioners.)
Top
These are just a few of the inaccuracies I noted on your website. In the spirit of accuracy, fairness and the truth I would very much appreciate your adding this letter to your site as well. (Now, of everything you have said so far, this sentence bothers me the most. If I have "inaccurate" infomation on my site, then tell me what it is so I can correct it. If you are calling my viewpoints or opinions "inaccuracies," then you owe me an apology. Also, as you requested, I've posted your letter - now in all fairness, I think you should put a link on your page to my page and let the people judge for themselves. Dawn Nettles )
Sincerely,
Keith Elkins
Communications Director
|
|