Note: The dates shown on the messages are the dates I'm posting
them - they do NOT necessarily reflect the date I received them.

A Very Important Message
One player sent a letter to Tony Sanchez and has sinced received a reply.
Now, we need to hear from Governor Perry on the issue of the
Texas Lottery to see who players want in office! Click here to read the reply.

August 27, 2002
Subject: Evil in the Works
To: lottoreport@lottoreport.com

Dawn: August 20 TLC meeting minutes are posted.

Page 36, lines 1 thru 4: Linda Cloud states "are looking to see what we can do to these games, particularly Lotto Texas." Lines 6 thru 8 "And then we're also looking at other games that could require possible legislation changes".

G-Tech page 42, lines 5 & 6 "will result in a five-year plan taking into account if certain restrictions or conditions are lifted" On page 43, the devil is cast upon us: "recommendation that the Texas Lottery Commission join a multistate consortium ... Megamillions ... PowerBall.

Dawn: There is talk and planning [at least revenue forecasting] for such ideas as a $20 instant ticket, and online video lottery in state sanctioned game rooms!!!

I've watched Linda build up to this for weeks. I pointed out two weeks ago that she was obviously promoting a multistate game in her weekly column on the TLC site, while at the same time stating she was forbidden to do so. She did it again this week [week of 08-26].

This evil has got to go, time for the citizens to rise up against this incessant attempt to promote games designed to induce overspending. Time to make the people in charge of the TLC responsible for their actions [the 6/54 game is down in sales 16% since last year, just like the people told the TLC it would be when the 6/50 game was canceled]. Time to make the TLC understand: (a) We are their customers - they are landlocked within the Texas borders by Federal law (b) We, the customers demand value - not bullshit!

Has Enron taken over the TLC or what? Gerry E.

What's even more interesting about all of this ... on May 12, 2000 at the Commissioners Meeting where the Commissioners approved adding the 4 balls to Lotto Texas, the Texas Lottery heard the following testimony from a gentleman named F.R. Daly ...

Mr. F. R. Daly: "And then one final comment for the record. Last fall, the agency asked me to evaluate whether or not the Texas Lottery should consider entering the multi-state game, one of the multi-state games. I was provided with all of the multi-state data by GTECH. And it was, in my opinion, my professional opinion, based on building the database and running a series of tests and analysis, that participation in a multi-state game would at best be break even for the State of Texas. In addition to the fact that if you introduced a multi-state game, you would have to spend millions of dollars to build that game in the minds of the consumer. Therefore, my -- at that point in time, I'm glad that nothing was done to move Texas into a multi-state game. I think that the recent 330 million dollar multi-state game jackpot is somewhat of an aberration. It may happen again. But it's not likely to happen again. Thank you very much. And I'm open to any questions that you may have."

By the way, he testified that he was "for" adding 4 balls to Lotto Texas! And for those of you who would like to know who Mr. Daly is ... Also taken directly from the transcript ...

MS. WHITAKER: "Okay. Can you give us for the record a brief summary of your background in marketing?"

MR. DAILEY: "Yes. I graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1973 with a degree in marketing. And I was awarded the dean's award. I led a group of students and developed a marketing plan for Ford Motor Company at that point in time. I was hired by the Lever Brothers Company, which is part of Unilever. And I was trained as a professional marketer in New York. I worked for Lever Brothers for four years.

I then joined R.J. Reynolds and worked in the foods division of R.J. Reynolds for a number of years. I worked on the -- on the team that introduced the further processed poultry products to this country in 1978. And then I joined JTL Corporation, the world's largest bottler of Coca-cola, in 1981 to start local marketing. I did that until 1986, when JTL was purchased by the Coca-Cola Company when the Coca-Cola Company formed CCE, which is the world's largest bottling company now. At that point, I was transferred to Atlanta and I was named the director of Cola brand marketing for Coca-Cola USA. So I ran all of the marketing for Coca-Cola USA. (Mr. Daly, Do you know Rollie Parks?)

In 1989, I had an opportunity to move back to the great state of Texas, and I did. And I joined National Convenience Stores as their chief marketing officer and did that until 1995, when I decided to form my own company, Dailey Communications. And I write business plans for a host of clients around the country, help them do the hard strategic work to get to strategy that drives their business."

MS. WHITAKER: "Thank you very much."

I can't help but wonder, why so many jobs in his career and was he eliminated from National Convenience Stores (Stop N Go) when Diamond Shamrock took over? Was this the perfect opportunity to finally become self employed? Anybody out there know?

One last thing ... I predict that the Texas Lottery will attempt to change Lotto Texas this time by adding a bonus ball to the game. Really sad because there is another way to reach the goal they have set but no one has ever thought of it. It's not in the mainstream of "traditional." Time will tell.

August 20, 2002
To: Linda.Cloud@lottery.state.tx.us
Sent: Monday, August 19, 2002 8:41 PM
Subject: Gimmick

What a disappointment!!!!! To think that I will receive a free chance of winning cash 5 and then to be informed that the promotion has been stopped without telling your players!!!! You people should be ashamed of yourselves. In retail this is called false advertising and the store will be held responsible for that. What about the Texas State Lottery? Shame on all of you. That will now conclude me ever buying another cash 5 ticket again.

August 20, 2002
To: "'lottoreport@lottoreport.com '" <lottoreport@lottoreport.com >
Subject: lotto changes

I wholeheartedly agree with Robert B. about a Boycott of the Lottery in Texas. Never again to waste my money on a hopeless chance to win in those games. The commission's tinkering with these games needs to stop. Their need for more revenue is their motivation for these changes, and they will wreck all odds to get it. The greedy commission is on notice- I will support a lottery boycott at the first sign of any meddling with the current system. Robert P. ... Texas ...not Taxes

Updated My Response
August 17, 2002
To: lottoreport@lottoreport.com
Subject: Cash Five Mess

Dawn,

Well the Lottery People did it again!

As you are aware they had a "Buy 5 get one free" promotion. They discontinued this late Friday afternoon. (No, I didn't know this. I thought it was going to run until the 24th but I have heard from other players that did not receive their FREE tickets either.)

I am sorry the following may "sound" confusing ...

Let's discuss the possibilities here. I know for a fact because it happened to me... sometimes the "free ticket" started to print out but did not finish. Sometimes it didn't even start to print. I know from my regular lottery person (store) that she had a whole list of tickets that "did not print" or were not given to customers. She will send those numbers to the lottery next week for credit. Let's think about this carefully... if these tickets that did not print but were recorded as if they were printed... A big if... (Would you please tell me where you are and who the retailer is.)

Then could have any of these "unprinted" tickets won any money in the Cash Five? What if they won the Top five of five prize? That would screw up every other payout. Even if they did not win the top prize, and if only four of five hit then that would screw up the other payouts.

Does the lottery have anything to say about all of this? Unfortunately I cashed my three of five winners but maybe they would have been worth a little more. Across all of the winners this could be a huge chunk of money. I really doubt we (the players) have any recourse but I think the Lottery owes the general playing public an apology!

As always, that for being our spokesperson!

John H.

Thanks for the warning - under these circumstances, maybe players should hang onto their winning tickets until later next week. You are right, there could be a lot of repercussions as a result of something like this happening. We all know only too well that the Texas Lottery loves having unclaimed tickets and there was a winning ticket sold Friday night. We need to make sure this one gets claimed! As for the promotion, I thought it ran until the 24th. I'll inquire Monday.

Update: Since I posted this message this morning, I have heard from a number of players who did not receive their free tickets. The unfortunate thing is, it appears the stores didn't know why the terminals weren't printing the free tickets. I've been told that several stores called the G-Tech hotline and were told that the promotion is over. Then they were instructed to check the messages on their terminals. As if "store clerks" are going to do this each day automatically! Anyway, the message in the terminals reads ...

"Effective immediately Cash Five Free TKT Promo
has been discontinued until further notice. Pls notify
players when they try to purchase a $5 or more
Cash Five TKT. Promo will resume at a later
date. Take down POS immediately!"

The printed literature does state that the TLC can cancel the promotion "at any time" but for an organization such as the TLC to do this to players without notice, is unheard of! Basically, they've enticed players to purchase $5 in Cash 5 tickets then not honor their end of the "advertised" bargain. And what's really bad, the tickets can't be canceled. The players are stuck - Well, this looks like ya'll have been scammed by the Texas Lottery! At least in my books, this falls under that category. There's not even a notice posted on their web site. Sorry folks - I'm just glad it didn't happen to me.

Every one of you should speak up! Tell the TLC and the newspapers what you think of this! I've got a special page with the email addresses waiting to be used. I wish ya'll would send me a copy of your messages too - but - that's entirely up to you. Click here

August 16, 2002
From Dawn

I have received two very special letters but I have posted them on a separate page. Everybody should read these. Many thanks to the players who took their time to write these letters. Click here to read them.

August 16, 2002
To: lottoreport@lottoreport.com

When we voted for the Texas lottery...didn't they {politicians} use the term " for the children" to get us to vote for it? I thought the money would aid the schools? I no longer play no matter how high the winnings are. It's just not worth it, nobody seems to win except the politicians. Where exactly is all the money going ? Thank you for listening...I'm disgusted with Texas

I wish I could answer your questions but I can't. I only know that the players are not receiving our fair share and we need this fixed. The schools do get their share from lottery sales but it only free's up other monies for state officials to put somewhere else. Thank you for expressing your feelings.

August 13, 2002
Dawn
You may want to tell your readers that a good way to get complaints to their senators/reps is to use the comment section of the survey forms that the senators/reps send out. I know I get these quite regularly and use that area to voice my opinions on subjects that are not covered in their survey.

OK - you just told them! That's an excellent idea.

August 13, 2002
To: lottoreport@lottoreport.com
Subject: Fwd: Ask The Director question,this is her genuine response!!!

Wouldn't it have been easier for her to answer my question now?? (A copy of Linda Cloud's message to this reader is below his message.)

I simply thanked her for provoking me to drive over to Louisiana to play Powerball by switching our game to the 6/54 matrix. I also told her how I won way more off Powerball than I ever did off Lotto Texas and simply asked if I should keep my "Powerball Fund" growing, or is there plans to clean up and not muck up our state Lotto. I truely believe that if we have a 6/49 or back to a 6/50 game sales will increase dramatically and stay steady. Not just have a surge with high jackpots then be in the red the rest of the time. They must have blind drunk monkeys doing their accounting. I am not a CPA but after a month of plunging sales I would at least attempt to save our lotto if I was in her shoes. She must be related to George Bush or something to keep her job, does anyone care about what she's doing to what is suppose to be a healthy game? (What they "think" is healthy for them is not necessarily "healthy" for players or even "healthy" for their industry.) Even if our odds were lowered, I would still be happy if I won less as a jackpot, but more frequently, I would keep my texas money in our state....This is her actual response to me. You can tell that she is not very organized or efficient because a simple YES or "KEEP GIVING YOUR MONEY TO LOUISIANA" would've been faster than this....Just another disturbing FACT seen FIRSTHAND about how crooked the TLC is. I wonder if she was wearing her mask when she typed my response. (She probably didn't type your response - the reason I suspect this is that the return address is from Customer Service.) We need to WAKE UP the lotto players and have them save their hard earned money no matter how high the jackpot climbs....let me know what you think. In masses we can make changes.

From: "Customer Service" <Customer.Service@lottery.state.tx.us>
To: (Deleted Address)
Subject: Ask The Director question
Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 11:00:38 -0500

Thank you for contacting me. Due to my schedule and the large volume of e-mails I receive, it may be a few weeks before I can respond. Thank you for your patience.

Linda Cloud
Executive Director

P.S. ISN'T THIS A RESPONSE??? WHAT A DUMB @$$....

You're right about, "in masses we can make changes" and I think I can safely report to you that the "masses" are coming forward right now to me.

August 12, 2002
Subject: Re: New Cash 5 Game
To: lottoreport@lottoreport.com

Dawn, I thought I'd forward you the reply I received from the TLC. Surprising that there was an answer at all, but I'm hopping mad that the response seems to compound the insult to my intelligence by explaining to me the "improved odds" of 1:8. What winnings? $2 is not winning...it's tantamount to "break-even" prizes in scratch-offs. And yes, I'm aware that it's a pari-mutuel game, but look over the payouts and they do not approximate the previous 3/5 and 4/5 winnings. There'll have to be one heck of an increase in sales of Cash Five tickets to already poor, and uninformed schmucks to make the pari-mutuel monies come close to what the abandoned Cash 5 used to pay. Sure, the jackpot is about the same. (That's because they increased the percentage the 5 of 5 winner receives.) But how many of those are won? Parallels the Texas Two Step, doesn't it. Yes, they are in business to make money, but I contend that they have no right to make it by duping the public and spouting misinformation over the airways. Don't you agree? (Yes, I do.)

I'll copy you on my answer to Ron W. once I formulate it. At present, I'm a bit pressed for time having auditors in-house, but I will definitely fire off another message. Marg P.

(Here is the message she received from "Customer Service" 08/06/02 12:09 PM: My comments are in blue italics)

Thanks for contacting us. I'm sorry you're dissatisfied with the new Cash Five game. Because of steadily declining sales, we had to make changes to the game to get players interested in playing again. Here are some of the changes.

The previous Cash 5 game was the hardest 5-digit Cash game to win in the country with overall odds of winning being 1:100. (You mean Texas gave its people the hardest Cash 5 game in the country? Why was that?)

With the new Cash Five game, the overall odds have dropped to just 1:8, which has lead to a huge increase in the number of winners per draw. The first night's drawing had over 70,000 winners. The final Cash 5 draw under the old game had less than 6,000 winners and the draw before that had less than 5,000 winners. (But those winners actually won something. Winning $1 is NOTHING. I told ya'll the TLC was making this change so they could boast how many "winners" there were - this is an "advertising gimmick." And see, that's exactly what they did here.)

Cash 5 has seen decreasing sales every fiscal year since fiscal year 1997. (Isn't this when the TLC went to four Cash 5 draws per week? Of course it was - and that's entirely too much play and I told Steve Levine that at the time. Ask him.) The Lottery is no different from any other company that sells a product. We cannot continue to keep a product in our game mix that continues to experience a sales decline year after year. (Then get rid of Texas 2 Step and cut Cash 5 back to twice a week.) The new game was focus group tested with players and the response was favorable. (The focus group people probably didn't know that the prizes for 3 of 5 and 4 of 5 was going to decrease in order to pay the 2 of 5 winners. After all, the TLC didn't even tell the Commissioners in the Open Meeting.) The old Cash 5 game was part of the focus group tests and players chose the new Cash Five over the game that was in existence. (I'd like to see the tape of this meeting. For those of you in Austin, you can see this tape - just call the TLC and make an appointment.)

Cash Five is pari-mutuel. The higher the sales the higher the pari-mutuel prize levels. (That new $2 prize is not "pari-mutuel" and it takes a big chunk of the players share of sales. The other prize levels only get what's left over after the TLC deducts for the 2 of 5 tickets - You know, that money that is either given right back to the TLC or never claimed.)

I hope this explains why we felt it was necessary to change the game, and I hope you'll give the new game a try. (Sorry Ron, but I won't spend my $3 to win $2 or $9. I'd spend $3 to win $20 to $30 and be happy, but not $9. With the odds being what they are, it's not worth the "gamble." The TLC has lost money for sure - I can say that because you aren't getting my money!)

Ron W.
Communications Services Coordinator

August 12, 2002
Subject: misc
To: lottoreport@lottoreport.com

I very much appreciate your site.(Thank you.)

I voted against the lottery a few years back. After a while I joined a office pool for social reasons. After leaving that company I continued "playing" the lottery. I actually won just under $1,000 one time. For about 3 years I have been spending way more on cash 5 vs lotto. I totally quit cash 5 with the recent changes.(Me too.)

I would like to see way better chances of winning something in the range of $100,000. The chance of winning the big money is way too slim. I am still waiting for the bolt of lighting to strike first. I stand on top of the house with a pole at times (not really). (IF the Cash 5 were played twice a week, it would generate $100,000 pots and once it did that, they would grow even more.)

Best wishes in dealing with the machine, so to speak. (Thank you for writing.)

August 12, 2002
To: customer.service@lottery.state.tx.us
Cc: lottoreport@lottoreport.com
Subject: the new cash five

I am a former cash five player. I formerly spent $40.00 a week on cash five. I now spend zero, zip, nada, nothing on cash five. the TLC in all its greed has put an end to the cash five. While I am at it, let me say, I really have not seen anything that said 'what can we do for the players?' , but have seen what appears to be little ways to change the wording of the rules that in the end is mean to give the TLC more of our money. Not many will write you but I hope the bottom line starts reflecting how myself and many others feel. David A. M., Abilene, Tx.

p.s. I make trips to La. at least once a month. They have some interesting games over there. I can buy my Power Ball and other things a few hours east, and spend a day or two at one of the casinos with hundreds of cars with tx plates. Texas is the big loser here. (You said it well. Thanks for writing.)

August 12, 2002
Subject: Slimy stuff
To: lottoreport@lottoreport.com

Dawn:
Read this week's "Questions to the wicked witch" on the TLC web site. Some poor misinformed person is promoting joining a multi-state game. Linda responds with "we don't promote legislation" or "promote" causes [bold faced lie as proven by the photocopied positive 6/54 comments that were generated at the TLC's request].

Linda also states she personally approves of joining a multi-state game. She should have set the record straight: (a) Power Ball & Mega Millions list their rolls on their web sites just like the TLC. (b) They start at $10 million each, and only increase by $2 million per game until well past the $25 million mark. (c) This is more subterfuge on the part of the queen of double talk - she is preparing to either (c1) propose the "Austin Power Ball" (c2) or joining a multistate game. Otherwise she would have pointed out the facts to the inquirer --- that is here entire job - to promote the Texas Lottery. (Thanks for writing and expressing your view points. The TLC and all other lotteries have one goal and that is to increase their sales. The states greed have gotten out of hand - I predict at the rate they are going, we may have no lotteries anywhere.

It's kinda funny, us gamblers always want to win "more" ... we're never satisfied. At the same time, this very physiological effect has taken control of the executives running the lotteries as well as the companies who run the lotteries - like G-Tech. It's a shame that they can't be satisfied with what they make and quit trying to find ways to create so many losers so the jackpots can grow to $100 million before somone wins. Can you imagine - the strategy is to be able to have at least 15 draws with no top prize winner so they can reach a jackpot of $100,000,000.

Here's a little math trivia for you. Figure out how much a lottery would have to sell in order to have an advertised $100,000,000 jackpot. The facts you need to figure this are: For Texas, the six of six winner receives 37.532% of total sales in the "roll." (The TLC would tell you that the 6 of 6 winner receives 68.24% of 55% of sales - They think using the figure "68.24%" sounds better!) For this puzzle, we'll say it requires one-half of the advertised jackpot amount to invest for a return of the amount advertised over a 25 year period. It's actually a little more than that but I'll let you use rounded numbers for the answer. So, ya'll figure it out and the 1st right answer gets a special pat on the back from me!!!! In fact, I'll congratulate you using your real name on my banners - if, of course, you want that!)

August 12, 2002
Subject: THE TEXAS LOTTERY COMMISSION = DUMB-R-US !!!!!
To: lottoreport@lottoreport.com

DEAR DAWN,
WHEN ARE THE GOOD PEOPLE OF THIS STATE GOING TO WAKE UP TO THE FACT THAT OUR "BRAIN DEAD" LOTTERY COMMISSION IS LITERALLY RUINING WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SUCCESSFUL LOTTERY SYSTEM IN THIS STATE.

THESE MORONIC SCREWBALLS HAVE SCREWED UP JUST ABOUT EVERY GAME THAT THEY LAID THEIR HANDS ON INCLUDING ALL OF THE SCRATCH GAMES WHICH ARE NOT WORTH PLAYING ANYMORE . I USED TO SPEND TEN TO FIFTEEN DOLLARS EVERY NIGHT JUST ON SCRATCH TICKETS, BUT; NOW I DON'T EVEN AVERAGE ONE DOLLAR A NIGHT.

I SPENT THIRTY TO FIFTY DOLLARS AVERAGE ON THE LOTTERY GAMES PER WEEK, BUT; NOW SPEND TEN DOLLARS AT MOST. PERSONALLY I'M SICK AND TIRED OF THIS (CRAP).

I WANT TO SEE THE PEOPLE OF THIS STATE BOYCOTTING THESE LOUSY GAMES AND BRING PRESSURE TO BEAR ON THE PEOPLE WHO CAN MAKE CHANGES TO REMOVE THESE T.L.C. " SLOWLEAKS " BEFORE THE WHOLE THING GOES DEFUNCT . SINCERELY, A NATIVE FORT WORTH TEXAN

Your message and call for a boycott is only one out of roughly 400 that I have already received. So - OK - If you want a boycott, all you have to do is put your time and just a little money where your mouth is. I'll await your phone call!

August 12, 2002
Dawn,

Here is a copy of an email I sent to Tony Sanchez. I don't really expect a reply. His staff will probably forward it to the TLC, who will promptly say that players do have a choice and that players want a powerball game. Robert

Click here to read the letter and reply from T. Sanchez

Thank you for speaking up. If everybody would speak up, we wouldn't have these problems.

August 12, 2002
Dawn

I visit your web site just about every day. I and I know a lot of other people enjoy and appreciate your effort in keeping us posted as to what is going on with the lottery games and your effort to try and make the games honest, appealing to the folks that buy tickets, and just get a fair shake for their effort.

I consider myself a serious player, but have had to re-think my involvement with all the changes made. I have information on my computer for each draw for p-4, p-5, p-6, and 2 step. I have written over 300 computer programs to maintain and analyze the data. Because of the changes made to the games I no longer play pick 3 or cash 5, nor will I until the games get changed to consider the players. I am close to stopping play on lotto texas because of the 54 balls.

If you ever need any data or info about some of the games, let me know. (Thank you. I'll keep your name on file for future use.)

I think you should do the survey. Attached is some thoughts on some possible questions. (Thank you for taking your time to submit your suggestions. I will use them and I will post a survey.)

Thanks again for your effort to make Texas lottery fair and fun to play. Jim E (You're welcome.)

August 12, 2002
Any one that has played the Cash 5 and won knows what a big rip off the new Cash 5 is.

I have won with 3 numbers several times and never got less than $21.00. I even won with 4 numbers once and won $487.00. now you don't win but a little over $100.00. I am getting off this sinking ship. Janice W. (I fully understand - I did too. Thanks for writing.)

August 12, 2002
To: <lottoreport@lottoreport.com >
Subject: Good stuff

Hi! Don and Dawn,

Thanks for the positive feedback on your site regarding my email I sent. I love your web site and you must devote a lot of your time and energy to keeping it up and looking so good. I have two questions. 1) On the pick 3 and Don’s predictions, why aren’t the picks for the days? (I really hate to tell you this because I know ya'll will get mad at me, but Don has been sending me plays for the day draw as a test. His plays have been dead on too - which I can document - but I just can't encourage players to play this game twice a day at this time. If it works out that the Pick3 is the only worth while game in Texas, which right now it is, then I may re-consider. But, you should know, the TLC is already working to "enhance" Pick3 again. They want to increase sales!!!!!! The twice a day draw didn't do what they expected - imagine that!) 2) Do they use the same machines for the night and day picks? (Yes, they do) Also, wouldn’t it be great if we did get closer to that 72% accuracy rate and give the TLC a run for their money!!?!! (Absolutely!)

I do think Don is a brilliant man when he can come close to what it takes a computer to predict. He is awesome…When I get time to get back into the numbers game…I will…I like playing around with numbers that fall on certain phases of the moon….I’ve found fairly good results as well as playing numbers from the same time of year (IE> full moons in august)…my sister works with cardiologists who refuse to perform heart surgery on full moons because of it’s pull…unless it’s absolutely necessary…so I figure that pull effect could effect the balls…my weatherman friend also thinks that drastic barometer changes could also effect the draws…anyway, I seem to get closer and closer to something each time. I’ve gotten 5 of 6 numbers 3x and have actually had the sixth number once but miss marked my sheet!! Anyway, gotta go…the toddlers are calling!!!! Robin

August 12, 2002
To: Dawn Nettles <lottoreport@lottoreport.com >
Subject: WINNINGS

DAWN

When they (the 'LOTTERY GODS') decided that I wanted a LOTTERY that would give 'BIGGER' prizes without getting my input, they screwed up the LOTTERY. So, I quit playing the PICK 6. I made the CASH 5 my main game. I played the CASH 5 with my PICK 6 money and started saving my CASH 5 money in a jar ($10 a week).

I started playing 10 tickets on Tuesdays and 10 tickets on Fridays. Now they (the 'LOTTERY GODS') have screwed up the CASH 5 by diluting the winnings down to almost nothing, so now I've gone 'COLD TURKEY'. I've started putting my CASH 5 money in another jar.

Going 'COLD TURKEY' has been hard. When I quit the PICK 6, I had the CASH 5 to support my habit. And, I've decided that's what it is, a habit. But, there is a cure. I looked in the CASH 5 jar this week-end and found $40. $40 since July 29. $40, in just 4 missed drawings. $40, that would be like hitting a 3 of 5 on every 10 tickets in the old game. That would be hard. But now, looking at the pay out of the 'NEW IMPROVED' game I would have to win two 3 of 5 for every 10
tickets. And with the new pay outs two 3 of 5 winners on every 10 tickets still wouldn't put $40 in the jar.

The people still playing the LOTTERY are a bunch of dopes. For those of you still playing, send in your name and address and I'll send you your SIGN. 'COLD TURKEY' (Buford Spiffins)

I went cold turkey too - so I know the initial feeling. But each night when I see that I would have lost, I feel good. All a person has to do is make it past 10 pm without purchasing a ticket! Each day the "habit" get easier to break.

This is a question I receive quite regularly - so I'll leave it on this page too

To: <lottoreport@lottoreport.com >
Subject: lottery donations to Texas Education Fund

How do I find out what Texas is doing with the money going to them for education. All the sites I have read are very vague.

The money from the lottery is simply used to lessen the amount the state has to put in each year for the schools. You see, the amount the lottery brings in is a very small percentage of the schools yearly budget. The schools do not get "extra" money, they just get the same ole budgeted amount every year. It's like you owe somebody $100 but you find a $20 bill so now you only have to take $80 from you own pocket to pay the $100. It's the same principal.