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I've posted emails received regarding my fax suspension on another page. Just click here to read them. I read a few investigative articles on your web site and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts in watch-dogging the TLC. It would seem apparent that someone needs to keep an eye on them. Sounds like a real possibility for corruption. Are you aware of any professional reporters (main stream media) watching over the TLC's activities? Or, any other government agency, or outside agency who audit them on a regular basis? I protested the TLC's change from 54 balls to 50 and I still believe they ruined a fun game by raising the odds of winning. Is there a chance that they would ever change back to 50 balls - before the public loses all interest? Even though the odds were great at 50 balls, they're impossible with 54. And, the payoffs at 3, 4, and 5 don't appear too much better. It's just not worth it anymore. I have cut back drastically in purchasing lotto tickets since they made the change. In fact, many of my friends who once played the Lotto on a regular basis, now save their money to go to Shreveport's casinos instead, or the horse races. The odds seem better. Anyway, thanks for informing the consumer. I, for one, appreciate your help! Regards, Sherrie C. (retired Lotto player - for now...) This e-mail was sent to the TLC (2-18-01)- I just finished reading the "commissioners" report concerning Ms Nettles. It does appear that the employees that have been dealing with Ms Nettles have gone "poo poo" in their mess kits!! Ya'll need to get your act together!! I agree with every thing she said in her comments. I "donate" each week to the state coffers by buying lotto tickets and think all state agencies should be above reproach! I go to the "lottoreport.com" site when I want to see the results of each drawing. You are NOT being fair to this person. You work for us...we don't work for you! Bill C The TLC Responded (2-20-01) - Thank you for your comments. Ms. Nettles is certainly entitled to information from this agency, and she has received that information on a regular basis. However, she is not entitled to special considerations separate and apart from any other citizen who requests information. To the greatest extent possible, we have answered her questions by phone. In other cases, she has received requested information by making open records requests. We will continue to provide her with requested information. But she has no special standing to receive faxes as opposed to receiving her information in the same manner that you or any other private citizen might expect to receive it. She is being treated in a manner consistent with the way we would respond to any citizen requests. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us by e-mail or by calling our toll free Customer Service Hotline at 1-800-375-6886 during normal business hours. Thanks, Yolanda His reply to the TLC's response (2-21-01) - Yolanda..... Do I understand that the Texas Lottery Commission does not grant Ms Nettles the same status or consideration as any other "publication" such as The Abilene Reporter News, Ft Worth Star Telegram, or any other news provider in our state? The information she provides (at no costs to her fellow citizens) has to be done in a timely manner.....She doesn't "rip" anyone wanting to find out the winning numbers like your 900 number made available by our "concerned" STATE Lottery Commission. I think there are some "ego" problems apparent and the Texas Lottery Commission could absolve the whole issue in a second! Just add her to your list of those news agencies receiving your fax after each drawing! You mention the "Texas Open Records" act....Boy...that's a joke!!! Real timely, right! In all honesty, isn't there anyone working there that has any 'common sense"? Does all "reason" go out the door soon as someone is hired into a STATE agency? As do most STATE agencies, the Texas Lottery Commission thinks everyone out here in the "hinter lands" has an IQ of 45, and we are treated as such. Thank you for the reply. I do realize, however, that not one thing will be done to rectify this unfortunate situation, based on my letter. There IS a "perception" that a problem exists. And, even if there was not a problem at all, the "perception" is still there, which means you DO have a problem and it needs to be taken care of. Sincerely, Bill C Thank you so very much for "trying" to help me. At least we see they definitely count me as a citizen! Recently I discovered your site, and have been very fascinated with your good efforts in giving us more truthful information about the Texas Lottery Com. We all feel that -THEY PLAY US FOR FOOLS. My experience in playing the lottery started when I moved from Texas in 1990 to Arizona, where there lottery had been in place for a few years. I moved back to Texas in 1995 and was happy to learn about our State Lottery. I began playing both Scratch and Pick Six, then later the Texas Million. But note, after I started reading your site a few months ago I play little if any Scratch games - especially since the Jingle Bucks. I became very unhappy about the Pick Six game when they added the 4 balls, so I had not played it as often as I once had. Now, with a few of Don's generous predictions and some of my own I find some pleasure in playing the Pick Three. Subject Line: Your Fax Suspension ... Wasn"t this game played with the Indians a few years back? And see what they got. Sounds like one of those things that "WE" the people wanted,but they just forgot to tell us. And just how do they spell "BOHICA". Keep up the good work. I honestly don't know - all I know is this type game is not "people friendly." I had an idea this morning, but it doesn't matter since I am not in charge of the lotto. If TLC really cared about what people think, they could have a box on every ticket they sell that has a ballot asking whether they want to play 6/50 or 6/54 or replace Texas Million with Texas Two-Step, or keep all games and add more, instead of having a secret public commentary period I wouldn't have known about without your site. Surely this was on TV and I just missed it. This idea would not be a binding ballot, just a straw poll for lotto buyers only. I Emailed a letter to TLC this week and they didn't sound too interested in anything I had to say. But you already know this..... (That's an excellent idea and very feasible. In fact, I'll even suggest this to my state representative and Senator ... and then to some more folks!)
Regarding the "Texas Two Step": I hate the game - Only reason for a 'power ball' type system is to positively eliminate any advantage of tracking the game and playing most probable numbers. It is harder both for the consumer {more choices & more things to check to confirm winning numbers} and for the commission {more equipment to buy and track}. I also hate the name, since it infers that the people of Texas condone it. Then again, it might mean "two step around the public's wants", in which case it fits well. Gerry (I think you may be right on regarding the "more choices." You see, this also means a greater chance for "more" unclaimed tickets as people will throw away winning tickets not realizing it - and this becomes money the state can pocket. I think this is a motivating factor for the TLC - especially since the 6/54 isn't as successful as they had planned. This means we need to force this issue and get the unclaimed money back in the players pockets.) After reading the full explanation of Texas Two Step, I'm considering boycotting it. Bad odds to begin with...at least they started the Lotto in a reasonable manner, THEN went for the jugular. As far as the 6/54 situation; It's just like any business, they're going to find a way to squeeze every nickle out to make a bigger profit. My company just raised my quota by 65%, and I've been a top ten finisher every year. This is in the face of lower pricing, and the recession that's coming. They just know that I'll make more money for them....same thing for TLC. Whatever helps the bottom line. Bobby Texas Million was played once a week and they want to replace it with a game that will be played twice a week. We have too many games and too many scratch off tickets already. Sounds like desperation and that's why they chose to go with this type of game. $50 for picking 4 out of 70 numbers and $20 for picking 3 out of 35 or 70 numbers is an insult to our intelligence. No, I will not support it. They must think we're fools and may be we were until you came along and turned on the lights. Thank you Dawn Nettles. I'll support anything you suggest we do. Wayne G. I e-mailed the TLC back in June of 2000, telling them as a visiting Okie playing the games that I had just so much money to spend, so when they started to add the different games from the original Lotto, I had to decide what games I was going to play. And I really didn't understand what the problem was if they wanted more money in the pot just delete a few of the other online games. Just play two not three or four, just two, it is a either or situation. You can either play the 2 online games or the scratch offs. Anything would be an improvement in what we have! I play every night, but I'm sick of it, so any change would be better! Glen heheh... I can't seem to win the existing games, so another game to lose money on is not a threat to me. It's just another variation for the public to attempt to play. We all have hopes of winning it big, but as you've said many times before- "the cards are in favor of the house" I'm sticking to pick3 and cash5 for my lotto plays. Chris No, I will not be playing this game. I might if they link with the other powerball states but you know they won't do that they would have to answer to someone else. I have been playing the same Lotto numbers for the last three years, whether it a small pot or large I figure one set numbers has just as much chance of winning as any others. (We farm, you want to talk about being BIG gamblers). Keep up the good work on your sight. Lucinda (Thank you and I sincerely hope your numbers come in. The powerball states wouldn't let Texas in - it's their way of competing with the larger states. Texas could join in the Big Game though.) ... Excellent chart on the 6 months comparison. Would you please add the net return to the school fund? With the new payout structure, it is less than the comparable period of 6/50. This means the 6/54 is a failure at its stated purpose of increasing revenue. Pointing this out to the legislature might cause some action. ... (Thank you very much for a reminder that shouldn't have been necessary. In the first 6 months, they were $10 million short of projections - I have that posted now on the 6/54 - It's been 6 months page) ... Don't forget about the very recent mistake concerning the Cash 5 Pretest, where they corrected it --- but didn't note to anyone that a correction had been made. This was only a couple of weeks ago. ... G.E. (I didn't forget it - and neither did they. Can you imagine what would happen to us if we made such an error then turned around and posted a message stating that we've "never" posted incorrect drawing results? And the error you are speaking of remained on their site for 10 days! And for the record, I sent the TLC an email this past Monday about this "lie" on their site but they haven't corrected it yet. Nor have they responded to my email. Imagine that!)
... When the game is being played, is it possible for the operator(s) to run the machine a second or third time if they are unhappy with the numbers that appear the first time? If the answer is yes human bias is a possibility. ... Terry (Some people oppose the pretest drawings for this very reason. About the only thing I can say is that they film the entire process and this film is suppose to be available to the public upon request. I say "suppose to be" because I requested to see a film of the ball and machine selection for a drawing last year and was told it was not filmed. But, the last time I was in Austin, it appeared as though they were filming this process - even though I was kept near the back door!) Hello Dawn. My name is (name deleted) and I visit your site at least twice a day. Thank you for posting Don's predictions and tell him that I appreciate what he is doing, and that I am with him all the way. Dawn you have a very informative website and I think you are doing a great job. Looking and waiting for Don's next prediction. Thanks. Roy Yes they did post the wrong numbers. And it's not the first time they posted the wrong numbers either. It's the 3rd time. I, too, am fed up with their lies and pretenses. Like the prison system, it's obvious the Texas Lottery needs new management too. How can we ever trust them? Thank you for all you do for us. We owe you. SG Hey... congratulations to you and Don for your picks on the PICK3 game. Do you think that is possible to use Don's method and apply it to the Lotto... You know, I use 15 different charts (including some statistic like X&R for the lotto) and I have been close to the BIG ONE. But I was wondering if Don's method can be use in the lotto? RMN (No, I don't think his system would ever work on a game like Lotto Texas. There's entirely to many numbers and combinations!) Well throw me for a loop, they brought the 8 balls back. Which one did they retire? Betty (They are weighing the balls and this is why 8 was available. Also, they don't "retire" the balls - they keep a set in "reserve" so that if anything ever happened to the studio - a flood, a fire, etc. - then they could continue the drawings without interruption) "By the way, I hope all of you appreciate the fact that I admit when I goof and that I print retractions...." Thanks for your kind words. In answer to your question, so far I've only received a few comments and they, like you, seem to be opposed to this style of play. I'm doing a little research right now then I'll make my decision on how I feel about it. I am, however, updating my email list. If the majority of players don't approve, we will be able to move quickly. Ms. Cloud thinks she has to have a game to replace Texas Million and they are trying to recapture those players who have stopped playing the Lotto - that's the motive behind this play style. Personally, I still think Cash 5 is THE game and if they'd play it only twice a week, we'd have really good jackpots and a decent chance at winning. And players wouldn't feel the financial pressure that they do now. I'd prefer to see them do this before adding any new games. They are planning to play this new game twice a week which I definitely oppose. Players, tell me how you feel. Subject Line Was - Scratch Offs - Thank You, Thank You! For publishing this information. It is quite a valuable lesson and I have played scratch offs since the beginning. I have won $500.00 on two occasions, but I am positive that I have spent much more than that over the years. Those winnings were just pure luck. Thanks for showing all the odds in real perspective. I get really irritated to win my stupid money back. I would rather lose it than to go back and cash it in or buy another scratch off just to lose it anyway. I truly feel that the TLC sucks! The odds should be much better and they would probably make more money because more people would buy them. The TLC also thinks they are losing money. How can they even begin to say that and who is managing these funds? Anyway, case and point. I got really stubborn one day (and I know what the odds mean), but I went in and bought five $2 scratch offs - (I believe it was the original Black Jack game) and not even a break even ticket. So I went back and got five more (no one else had bought any - same number sequence) and again not even a break even ticket. I ended up buying 20 of these and never got one penny back. So there were 20 tickets in a row that did not give me even $2.00 back. My point is that however they set up their computers to spit out winning or break even tickets is completely unfair and makes us all look like idiots because the TLC can do that. Then they warn you against gambling. I can see why! Anyway, I don't buy but about two or three a week now. I have been burned too many times. Thanks for reassuring me that the TLC is pulling the wool over our eyes! Jean D. Arlington Thank you for such a nice email. First, the TLC is not nor have they ever "lost" money - YET. Second, the page she is referring to is a new page that shows the "real odds" for every scratch off prize. Reading this data certainly does make you think twice before buying those tickets and I think everyone should know the truth! I've received many messages similar to this one - and now the TLC is reporting that their scratch off sales are down. Imagine that. Just click here to go to the new Scratch Offs page.
I have been playing Don's favorites three combinations as he suggested except, to avoid overspending, I was playing them in Any Order for 50 cents a piece. I followed your suggestion about choosing the third number. Since you were playing 042, I included that one in my game and in addition, I added 046 (using both the 2 and the 6 digits as Don suggested, but with your 4). I made $40, without spending that much. Thanks to both of you! Carmen - Houston Congratulations - you did good! Just who is this Don and what's his secret? I request this info by the freedom of information act, in order to win win win the pick3... <smile>
(This one really made me smile!) Hi and Hello - I looked over your web site and seems to be very detailed about the overlook of Texas lottery. The one thing I like mostly is that not only are you a girl/woman but smart in calculations and you have the knowledge in how the lotto system works. Now about keeping a ticket that is out of date but with a misprint or miscalculations of the odds. Why do you say to keep this ticket? Another question I have is, do you think there can be a possibility to get a very high percentage to win the Texas Lotto by playing with numbers around and maybe even looking in the past results of the six winning numbers. I now it is harder now at this time because of the new numbers 51-54 but later in time I'm saying. I Thank you for your time in putting up this helpful website also in answering my questions. The reason to hang onto those tickets with the wrong odds is for proof. I may be asking everyone to mail them to me. The only way I've found to even getting close to winning the Lotto or Cash 5 is by targeting numbers and then being patient. Regarding Lotto, we need a little more time to establish any kind of patterns. Go the the Fun Page for a description on "targeting" a number.
Hi, I am from Massachusetts and was wondering if you will be doing anything like this for other states also (especially Mass of course). Could this be parralleled with Mass? I enjoyed reading the info on your site and really enjoyed your sense of humor. Mike The TLC would love for me to concentrate my energies elsewhere. Therefore, I can only say that you will just have to come to Texas to play the Pick3 because I just can't leave the TLC alone! Good Morning Dawn: Happy New Year to you,. And also to Don. I just wanted to thank you both for the 000 prediction. I did play it and I won $500!!!! I am a daily pick 3 player, but I lose much more than I win. This is a great way to start the New Year. Please keep up the wonderful work, I vist the Lotto Report site daily and applaud your efforts......Thanks again...Joy Thank you for a really nice email.
Dawn, thanks to you and Don. I made Don's 000 prediction today. I spent $72.50 total playing Don's suggestions. I started with his 33 games (exact), but the next two times, because of my loss, I decided to just pick and choose from his numbers, and play in an exact/any (.50 cents each). This last time I picked both his triples among other of his suggestions and, of course, a few choices of mine. The only thing is I wished I had bet $1.00 on the triples instead of 50 cents, but hey, $177.50 is still a wonderful return on $72.50 ($250-72.50 = 177.50). Thanks a lot! I certainly hope you have all figured out that we mustn't have too much success or else the TLC will be adding more balls to the Pick3. So ya'll just keep winning but I won't post all your emails! You know, the TLC has this thing about players winning - it's not allowed without us getting punished. I check your web page EVERY day! I am totally addicted to seeing what is going on and what you have to say about the Pick 3, Cash 5 and other games. I also get the Lotto Report from the gas stations; but I enjoy looking on the web page much more! What do I need to do to have access to the "members only page" on the web site? What kind of information is available at that site? If there is an extra charge how much is it? I am also patiently waiting on Don's next prediction (this guy is good!) -- because I was short of funds on his last prediction I did not play but will not miss his next one. Thanks for working so hard to bring all this lottery information to everyone! You are doing a wonderful job. Have a safe and happy holiday! Darlene (Thank you for a really nice email. Getting messages like this keeps my momentum going! Let me answer your questions now. The "Members Only" page is my communications page that only a few people have access to. I receive information on this page and it is secure. Hopefully, Don will have us a play this week. Don's plays are based on "conditions" and his objective is in picking the right time to play. And finally, the Lotto Report does not have room for editorial like what is on my web site. I guess you prefer reading rather than studying statistical information! Maybe I should change the Lotto Report and my sales would increase. I certainly wish I sold as many Reports as I get hits on my web site every day! Thanks again for taking your valuable time to write me.) What's it take to get Don's predictions? Thanks, Lee N. Right now, nothing. Just watch my site. Another one is forthcoming soon. Howdy, I was wondering if you know how the scratch off tickets are distributed, and if they are sent evenly around the state. I was wondering about the way the TLC regulates this. This may be a good reason to stop playing. I have tried to find this information by researching the stores the winning tickets are sold. It seems the Houston area and Dallas - Fort Worth area seem to get a lot of winning scratch off tickets. I used to Live in the Lufkin and Nacodoches area, and now reside in Waco. I must tell you the only winning ticket that was won close to me lately was the sherriff investigator in Mexia. I believe the TLC does not want this info to reach the public. It would be nice to know that everyone around the state was getting a fair shake. Thanks for your help, P.S. You know what they say, "Money talks and Bull$%t walks." pardon my native Texan attitude. I will have to make an open records request to receive a list of the stores that have sold the top winning tickets for all the games. They will probably charge me for this information. Your question is interesting and one I will check into. As far as the distribution of the tickets go, the printer delivers them in packages of however many per pack the stores are to receive, then GTech ships them out. The TLC tells me that only the printer knows which tickets are winning tickets and the serial numbers are in an encrypted file that is sent for the computers to verify winning or break even tickets. Hey Dawn! An Idea Yes, it's a good idea. I'll give it some thought. Continued ...Click here to read more.
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