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burnodo2 t1_j1yygvl wrote

if the prize isn't 2 billion, the ticket's not worth the 2 bucks

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AtomicBlastCandy t1_j1z6ohj wrote

Yeah the math doesn't work but irrationality isn't based on math. Every year or so I'll randomly buy a ticket, it is useful to dream for a few minutes about what if....

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NancyPelBroski t1_j1zs0tj wrote

I had absolutely nothing to do at work yesterday so I bought a ticket on my lunch break and spent the rest of the afternoon browsing through million dollar mansions in Mexico. Best $2 I ever spent.

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Karmack_Zarrul t1_j24285t wrote

I’m with you. I’ve only bought a ticket like twice ever, but it makes the dreams so much more vivid since there is technically a chance. It’s worth the 2 bucks. I think a second ticket adds no value, but a single ticket is cheap fun

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darthjoey91 t1_j1zyaj1 wrote

But at $2 billion, the math does work. Like not much, but the expected value passes the cost of a ticket around there.

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AtomicBlastCandy t1_j1zymtx wrote

First the amount is halved if you take it as a lump sum and the annuity has a shit interest rate, then you have to factor in taxes. I haven’t done the math you are probably right that at $2b jackpot the numbers may make sense. There is also the fact that you may have to split the prize

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code_archeologist t1_j1z0btg wrote

The jackpot's elbows are too sharp, wouldn't bang buy a ticket

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Bigapple235 t1_j1za1mz wrote

>$640 million

Just imagine, for $2, you win $640 million, which is still a huge number. Maybe you and your son or your grandson and your grandson's grandson won't get that much wealth 🤷‍♀️

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HowardBunnyColvin t1_j23nmw3 wrote

Seriously isn't. I didn't even come close to winning and I purchased like 7 tickets total for the MM and PB earlier this year.

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Academic-Truth7212 t1_j20atd7 wrote

In America, whether, you pay, win, or lose. The price is never the one indicated.

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