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This was the page to check on a regular basis.
This is where I posted the latest happenings!
New writings were on top.
Created: Tuesday, September 21, 1999
Revised: October 16, 1999 - 10:00 PM
They Heard Us - No Changes!
Surprise Press Conference Set for 10-6-99
Thank You, Ft. Worth Star Telegram
KSCS Listeners Say NO Too
Comments Regarding the First Public Hearing
Associated Press Writes Story
We Got A Reprieve!
The Minutes - Commissioners Meeting 8-28-99
Contact Your Representative
E-MailYour Newspaper
Public Opinion
More links on this site
Thanks for Buying the Extra Lotto Tickets
I heard from a great many of you that you really bought an extra lotto ticket or tickets for this past Wednesday and for tonight (Saturday.) May one of you win off that extra ticket! I'm also proud to say that I heard one of my steady vistors did win the Cash 5 last night. He ask me not to post his message til he gets everything squared away so when he tells me I can broadcast it - I will!
E-Mails Still Coming In
I've decided to continue posting the emails I'm receiving because ya'll have some really good ideas for the Texas Lottery plus I want you to know that I appreciate your comments. To read the messages, just click here.
They Heard Us!
On October 6, 1999, at 2 pm, the Texas Lottery announced they were
not going to "Mess with Lotto Texas!"
To read their Press Release, just click here.
TLC Holding Press Conference 10-6-99 - 2 PM
I just received a fax from the Texas Lottery announcing a Press Conference that has been set for this afternoon at 2 PM. The topic of discussion is the Proposed Changes.
Now, IF they announce that they are forgeting these changes, I ask you all to please buy ONE extra Lotto ticket tonight and Saturday night as our way of saying Thank -You Texas Lottery Commission. They will hear that message!
Thank You Ft. Worth Star Telegram
On Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1999, John Moritz wrote an excellent story about the proposed changes. There are two comments that I need to say. (1) The Dallas hearing is set for Oct. 20 at 3 p. m.. This date has changed three times, that 's why all the confusion. (2) The 4 of 6 and 5 of 6 payoffs have been LOWERED, not raised. The proposed plan calls for paying $25 for matching 4 of 6 and $1000 for matching 5 of 6. I will post his story for all of you to read later today.
Just click here to read the story.
KSCS Listeners Say NO!
On Wednesday morning, Oct. 6, KSCS took a poll about these changes. I was told that all KSCS callers told them NO to adding 4 balls. I received several calls about this, however, I regret to say I did not get to hear it myself. But my thanks go to KSCS for helping the People of Texas speak up. Maybe the Commission heard us too.
Incompatibility Problems with
Kimberly Kiplins E-Mail Address
If you're trying to send your comments to the Texas Lottery and you're gettting the mail back marked "Refused," - it's really not been refused! There have been some compatibility problems with the capnet.state.texas.us address and several other email programs that is causing this.
The First Hearing Held on Sept 27 in Austin
Where to start?
First, there were only 4 of us who spoke. I didn't expect many people because the meeting was held on a Monday at 10 AM. The time and place eliminated live participants but I knew we had it made in terms of numbers because of the written responses - with what I had plus with what the Lottery had received. The press was there in full force.
Some interesting points brought out:
First, Gerald Busald, a mathematics professor from San Antonio College said the numbers the Lottery Commission were quoting pertaining to the average number of winners were WRONG. He said the correct number of average winners is 160,143 not 279,000 and the potential winners should be 282,800 not 606,000. "The mathematics is totally wrong, and I predict you will have your website changed by the end of the day," Mr. Busald told them.
After checking the numbers, Lottery officials confirmed that Mr. Busald was right. And they deleted this portion of their sales pitch from their web site before 5PM! An interesting twist of this story is that the Lottery blamed G-Tech for the error, then the Lottery went into this spill about how their numbers were still accurate but based on "theoretical projections." Mr. Busald's comments to the Lottery's claim that their numbers were still accurate, he said, "The claim that they are actually right is hogwash."
Another interesting facet to this story is that the Lottery Commission then issued a press release regarding Mr. Busald figures BUT they only sent the press release out to the press that was present at the hearing. So, only those chosen few even know of this error and can report on it. So, as a result, Texans are still being mislead.
This was an important tidbit for me because the Texas Lottery has been quoting in all their emails and press releases that their proposed change would "increase the number of prize winners from 279,000 to more than 606,000." I knew that something was wrong with this statement but I couldn't prove it. Now I know the correct statement should be that the proposed changes could increase the number of prize winners from 160,143 to 282,000. Since the plan includes adding 4 more ways to win a "small prize," this makes sense to me even though winning anything will be considerably harder. Ya'll must remember, this number applies mostly to winning $5 and $25.
Another stepping stone was when I told the Commission that we had 2488 people who opposed these changes. I also stated that I had requested from Open Records all of the emails and letters the Commission had received pertaining to these changes. I said, "I heard Friday that you have received roughly 300 comments but Open Records contacted me and said there were 850 pages and the costs would be $89.90 for these documents." I then handed them your emails, letters, faxes and petitions. I told them I had more coming and I asked again how many signatures we needed to halt this.
The press jumped on top of my copies of your emails and petitions but I'm not sure what all they have printed or announced pertaining to my comments to the Commission.
Monday night, while in my hotel room, I started reading the Lottery's mail. So far, I have read 450 pages and have found only 6 comments from people who say they look forward to these changes. I plan to do an official count and I will report all the details when I get this task completed.
On, Tuesday, 9-28-99, I attended the Commissioners meeting. Now this was a close call because the notice on the Lottery's web site did not post a time so I had to call for the meeting time. I was told the meeting began at 10AM. For some strange reason, I decided to re-verify the time and learned at 8 AM the meeting was scheduled for 8:30 AM. It was a miracle but I made it in time (7 minutes late) to hear what I wanted to hear and to do what I wanted to do.
I have already requested the transcript from this meeting and when I get it I will be a little bit more descriptive or specific in what I'm fixing to say next. But, I want to tell you a couple of things that I heard or observed during this meeting. And do understand, this is my interpretation of what I heard.
During the meeting, Ms. Miers asked Linda Cloud if the Lottery was getting the word out about the upcoming hearings. Ms. Cloud said, "Yes." Then, thank goodness, Ms. Miers specifically asked how they were getting the word out. At that point, Ms. Cloud stated that they were sending out press releases. (To date, they've only sent out one press release.) Anyway, with that answer, Ms. Miers suggested that they "guarantee" the people be informed and suggested the Commission buy advertising. Ms. Miers told Ms. Cloud in no uncertain terms that she wanted the People of Texas to know that the Commission wants to know how the players feel about these proposed changes.
Then, another interesting tidbit. Ms. Miers asked for the date and place of all the hearings. Ms. Cloud then read off the dates and times. But, Ms. Cloud, erred on the Dallas date and I caught it. Within a few minutes, I noticed Keith Elkins walking up to front where he handed Ms. Cloud a note. Sure enough, a few minutes later Ms. Cloud corrected the date and time of the Dallas meeting with Ms. Miers. Now, this upset Ms. Miers because she was under the impression the Dallas meeting was to be on the 20th and she had planned to attend. She already knew she couldn't attend on the 19th. Ms. Miers caught this mistake and warned Ms Cloud that mistakes needed to be avoided.
Now, for the bad news. Ms. Miers asked Ms. Cloud about the responses they were receiving from the people. Ms. Miers was inquiring about the contents of the messages. Ms. Cloud said, "Well, we have some against it BUT, we have some for it too." My interpretation of Ms. Cloud's answer coupled with her body language was that the Peoples response was about 50/50. At one point, Ms. Cloud even went so far as to say, "We only had four people here yesterday." She failed to tell them that in addition to the 4 people present with opposition, there were an additional 2488 signatures. But, never fear, I handed each Commissioner a packet with your emails and petitions after the meeting adjourned!
While I don't know this next statement to be true, I honestly don't believe that Ms Cloud has read any of the mail. Everyone up there knows that it's mostly NO, NO, NO but Ms. Cloud, Ms. Udall and Keith Elkins continues to tell the public how great their plan is. I think if they knew what the people were saying , they wouldn't be able to face the people and say it was great. That's why I think they have not read all this mail. If my business had the kind of letters that they have, I would immediately stop and reassure my customers that my plan stinks and I was wrong. But, like Mr. Busald said, "The Commission simply can't bring themselves to say "we were wrong."
There is more but this is all I have time for now. I will be posting the official counts of Yes' and No's through Monday, 9-27-99, a letter the Retailers received and comments about my TRYING to watch the pretest and actual drawing Monday night. The stories will come - but give me a few days. I will also be issuing a Press release so the Newspapers, TV stations and Radio can see the whole story regading the proposed plans - The People of Texas deserve that. And, many thanks to the ad agency that furnished me with the current list of all contacts, fax numbers and email addresses of the media.
Buy a $3 Pick3 and Get a Free Cash5
Hey everybody, I meant to let you all know about this. The Lottery started this special so for those of you who play Pick3, split up your tickets so you can get FREE Cash 5 tickets!
Correction on Date of Dallas Hearing
The correct date for the Dallas hearing is October 20, 1999 at 3 P.M..
Tyler and Lubbock Papers Carry Stories Too!
While I haven't seen the papers, I understand that Tyler and Lubbock wrote stories about the proposed changes on 9-22-99 too. So we need to say Thank-You to them also! Keep those emails coming in. Monday is getting closer and closer. (I have no way of knowing what the papers are saying. I wish ya'll would keep me posted. OK?)
The Associated Press posted a story on the AP wire. Unfortunately, it is copyrighted so I can't post it for you. But, if you want to read it, I'll provide a link for you. This link takes you to the San Antonio Express News web site. On the left side of the page, you will see their links. Click on "AP Texas Wire" under "News," then scroll down to the story dated "9-21 - #1347EDT - Players say they don't like proposed changes in Lotto game." No more needs to be said other than,
"Thank You Michael Holmes For Keeping Texans Informed!"
Just click here to read the story.
I understand this story is now off the wire.
You can no longer read it. Sorry if you missed it!
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We Got A Reprieve!
It's Tuesday morning, 9-21-99, and I just received word from several newspaper reporters that the Lottery Commission issued a press release this morning announcing "new scheduled hearings" for Public Comment! The meetings are scheduled during a week day which still hurts us, but at least it's closer to your home and maybe, you can snitch off work for an hour or so to attend and voice your opinions.
The meeting are:
Mon, Sept. 27 - Austin - 10 A.M. - 611 E. 6th Street
Wed, Oct 20 - Dallas - 3 P.M. - Holiday Inn - 1955 Market Center
Thur, Oct. 21 - El Paso - 10 A.M. - Marriott Hotel - 1600 Airway Blvd
Tue, Oct 26 - Abilene - 11 A.M. - Clarion Hotel - 5403 S. 1st Street
Wed, Oct 27 - Houston - 10A.M. - Radisson Hotel - 9100 Gulf Freeway
Thurs, Oct. 28 - San Antonio - 10 A.M. - 711 E. Riverwalk
And YES, I will attend all these meetings unless I find it's just not necessary due to the fact that I feel they will SQUASH these plans.
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Minutes of the Commissioners Meeting
The Texas Lottery Commission Explains
Proposal to Commissioners
The Texas Lottery Commission convinced the Commissioners that the People of Texas: (1) will love the lower tier prizes, $5, 25, $250, $1000, and $10,000 - and winning these prizes will overpower any concerns of the higher odds of winning the big jackpot because there will be 8 ways to win 'something' instead of 4 ways to win; (2) the bonus ball will double the number of winners - particularly $5 winners; (3) that sales will increase because the jackpots will grow (of course they'll grow, we won't be able win very often); (4) and that other states have made these changes successfully.
(But what about California and New York? Players, it is time to tell 'em how it is!)
Here are a few interesting excerpts from the minutes:
Just one of the many, many quotes by Pam Udall to the Commissioners, "And I know that our players want that $5 experience. They have been asking for that for 7 years now, and I want to go -- to say we've heard you."
Mr. Sadberry asked, "... have other states done this. Is there any experience that you can turn to to show that you will get the desired results if this thing is approved?" Ms. Udall, said, "States are always, you know, enhancing games and changing games, and every state is a little bit different. Recently this has been implemented -- a similar enhancement has been implemented in New York. We know the power of the bonus ball is a great example of adding -- what a bonus ball can do to your game ......"
I personally don't think she answered his question fully. If so, her answer should have been, "Yes Sir. California and New York both added more balls and enhanced their lower payouts but their players rebelled so both states had to lower the number of balls. And New York has a bonus number because they're trying to get their players back!"
Ms. Cloud pointed out that if changes weren't made, then they may have to lower the starting jackpot so they don't have to go into reserve to pay the $4 million. Ms. Miers, replied, "That's a good point." Then Ms. Cloud said, "And that would be more of a discouragement to our players than what we are proposing here, I think." (Players, don't let the Commissioners believe this - it's time to speak up.)
But here is the best one of all. Mr. Clowe asked what the negatives were. Ms. Pam Udall said, "I think the number one thing that we're going to hear is when you tell players that you're going to change the matrix from 6 of 50 to 6 of 54, they're all going to go, "Oh, my gosh. You're making it harder for me to win." However, when you talk about the bonus ball and you talk about the additional prize tiers and the "overall" odds, and the $5 prize especially, then they go, "Oh, that sounds great."
(OK players, here it is. Is this what you say to this?
hehehe ...
You have no idea how big my grin is as I write this one!!!!)
My opinion as I read the minutes from this meeting was that I realized the Commissioners themselves are not players nor are they well versed on the current games and payouts. They can't quote the prize structures like we can. They have no idea what adding 4 more balls will do to OUR game and they really have no idea that the prize payouts being proposed are lower than before with the exception of the $5 payout. What sold them was the idea of offering players 8 ways to win instead of 4 ways and they liked that concept. So, as a result, the ladies of the Lottery Commission didn't have to overcome these objections with the Commissioners.
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We need to be sure we are HEARD. What I have been advised for us to do, is have ALL of us send an email to our Representatives. Here's how:
To find out who your Representatives are, click here.
When you get to this site, you'll notice a box on the left hand side of the page. Click on "House Membership." Then click on "zip code." As soon as you type in your zip, their names come up. E-mail them! Tell them exactly what you think of the proposed changes. Their email addresses will not be shown, but, never fear, all addresses for the Representatives are uniform: (In your emails or letter, you MUST give your name, address, city, state, zip or they won't do anything for you!)
firstname.lastname@house.state.tx.us
Example: john.doe@house.state.tx.us
For Senators, it is the same except its "senate" and not "house"
Example: firstname.lastname@senate.state.tx.us
If they hear from enough people, they will take action!
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I just learned of a really neat link for contacting your newspapers quickly. Just click below and pick your newpaper! Once on the papers site, click on "About Us," "Contact Us," or whatever. Send them an email telling them what you think of all this.
Just click here to reach the site with all the newspaper links.
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I was under the impression that there would be a place on the Texas Registry where we could make our official comments. But, I have since learned, the Texas Registry is only a bulletin board for posting the official changes. It directs you to send your comments directly to Kimberly Kiplin at the Texas Lottery Commission.
Once the comments are received, the procedures are, as stated by Kimberly Kiplin, "Comments will be received during the comment period and will be considered by the agency, and it will be the people that have been working on the proposed amendments I imagine." She further stated, "Once the comment comes in, the agency will review the comment, will either make changes consistent with the comment for those comments that the agency agrees with, or will explain -- or will provide reasons why the agency disagrees with a particular comment." These statements were in the minutes from the Commissioners meeting. (This is like letting politicians count their own votes!)
If you have sent comments to me, I will hand deliver to them plus I will see to it that they are seen by the Commissioners and all media for proof of what you want! Public Comment allows 30 days for the comments to come in and the clock started on Sept. 10th. But, they got a response so now we have a reprieve! Perhaps we can save them some money by squashing this plan sooner!
To email Kimberly Kiplin, just copy and paste:
kimberly.kiplin@mail.capnet.state.tx.us
(For some reason, her email address won't work with a link. Also, there have been some compatibility problems getting email through to her capnet state address. If your mail comes back "Refused," or if you want, just send it to the following address but be sure to address it to Kimberly.)
txlotto@onr.com.
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Subject - 50 vs 54 Balls
The Introduction
Dallas Morning News Excerpts
My Letter to the Commission
The Proposed Changes
How to Prevent These Changes
E-Mails - The People Speak Up
Letters - The People Speak & So Does The Texas Lottery
A Petition
The Lottery Explains Proposal
Lottery Finally Issues Press Release
The Combinations/Odds
Thank You Houston Chronicle
Thank You Ft. Worth Star Telegram
Home
The Latest Drawing Results, Payouts, & Number of Winners
E-Mail us and tell us what you think - lottoreport@lottoreport.com
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