Lottery games are popular with gamblers around the globe. Powerball and Mega Millions rule the lottery landscape and consistently pump out jackpots in excess of $100 million.
With that much money at stake, it’s easy to see why so many players are happy to fork over a few bucks despite the odds. Scratch-off tickets are an even more popular game, and most state lotteries have dozens of games in different denominations.
These games give you a slightly better shot at winning, but the payback percentages for these games’ averages about 61%. Stop wasting time and money playing the lottery and play these games instead.
The Lottery Has the Highest Volatility of Any Gambling Game
The massive jackpots offered by lottery games are enticing. One random drawing can change the course of a player’s life, and generations of offspring may see the benefits of a winning ticket.
However, a piece of the equation continuously sucks on players’ money. Most people never account for the ridiculously high volatility that comes from having such a top-heavy payout.
In reality, most players never show any interest in winning the smaller prizes. Lottery games are an all or nothing proposition for the draw games.
The high volatility makes these prizes rare; there’s no way to sustain a profit playing lotto games.
You Can’t Play the Lottery at the Casino
The lottery scratch-offs that many players love can’t be found in the casinos. That doesn’t make much difference to most casino guests, but I’d rather gamble in a casino than scratch tickets in a convenience store parking lot.
If you’re dedicating too much of your money to lottery tickets, you’ll never afford to take a trip to the casino and enjoy some authentic entertainment. The closest thing to the lottery you’ll play in the casino is keno.
As impressive as this sounds, keno has a better house edge than many lottery games. More importantly, keno provides much more entertainment than lottery games. Yet, Keno is widely regarded as the worst game in the casino for both the house edge and lack of entertainment.
You’ll have a much more enjoyable experience and make lasting memories by gambling in a land-based casino. If you have any money left, you can buy a lottery ticket before flying home.
The Game Hasn’t Seen Any Signs of Keeping Up with the Times
Land-based and online casino games are constantly evolving. That keeps things fresh and attracts new gamblers into the casinos.
The constant changes and innovations for the casino mean new features and exciting gameplay always greet gamblers. The recent advent of electronic table games appeals to the younger demographic for several reasons.
Yet, the lotteries are limited in their ability to re-invent themselves. The lottery is played today in much the same way it was over 30 years ago.
The massive prizes and greed are solely responsible for the lotteries’ continued success.
You’re Not Getting the Social Aspect of Gambling Playing Scratch Offs
Many people consider the social atmosphere created by gambling to be one of the biggest draws to the casinos. I agree; even the most skeptical gamblers can start loosening up and chatting with fellow gamblers.
The socializing that happens in the casino feels more weighted than your typical bar chit-chat. Most players already share a common interest, and they all want the same thing; to leave the casino with house money.
Good luck getting any of that camaraderie from buying lotto tickets. The closest thing you’ll get to have a meaningful conversation in the lottery is with the convenience store clerk as the twelve people in line behind you stare daggers into your back.
Playing the lottery is a lonely affair; get into the casino and meet new people. You’ll even meet people playing slot machines or video poker, which beats gambling by yourself.
The House Edge Is Insane
I touched on this briefly when covering volatility, but the house edge on lottery games is ludicrous. The slot machines in Las Vegas are notoriously bad, with the more popular games like penny slots holding an advantage of 12% or more.
Unfortunately, lottery games smack you in the face with losses immediately. If you’re into losing money with no illusions that you’re a winner, the lottery is the game for you.
Lottery Games Are Too Accessible
Another problem I have with lottery games is that they are too accessible. Some gamblers have issues surrounding problem gambling, but it doesn’t have to be addictive behavior when the lottery tickets are easy to obtain.
Playing games like blackjack, craps, or roulette often require gamblers to make a trip to the casino. This trip requires planning and resources that force gamblers to take a breather. The ability to purchase lottery tickets from almost anywhere means that you have more opportunities to hand the lottery over 40% of your money. Due to the volatility of these games, it’s probably closer to 75-80%.
Stop wasting time and money buying lottery tickets. Every time you’re tempted to drop $40 in a gas station, put that money aside in a special fund, you’ll be amazed how quickly it accrues.
Roulette Is a Straightforward Game Full of Chance
The underlying truth about the lottery is that the game is entirely random. There’s no skill involved; players leave their fate to chance.
Roulette doesn’t require players to study complex strategies. You place your wagers and let the wheel produce a result.
Stick to a balanced betting approach, and you’ll do fine. If you want to get the most from your bankroll, place the even-money wagers and ignore the results board.
Baccarat Can Keep You Close to Even without Any Skills
Baccarat is another casino game that is entirely left to chance.
You need to know that betting on the banker has a house edge of below 1.1%. That’s the best bet in the game despite the 5% commission for every chance you win.
Don’t fret; the commission is already factored into the house advantage.
Baccarat takes less work than playing the lottery and is easier to follow than many elaborate scratch-off games.
Slot Machines Offer the Massive Jackpots That Lottery Players Crave
Slot machines are the biggest revenue generators for the casinos, but they are better than the lottery in almost every way.
You don’t have to use any skill to play them, and they offer the type of attention-grabbing jackpots coveted by lottery fans. Above all, they are far more entertaining than playing the lottery.
The lottery is one of the few ways to gamble that make slots look like a wise investment. So, ditch your pencil and start spinning.
Conclusion
If you’re tired of burning money several times a week on the lottery, you now have a solution.
Until then, you’ll enjoy not watching your bankroll disappear every payday.
