1,2,3,4,5,6 has just as good of a chance as any other combo.

The actual payout is way under 50%, might even be under 40% with the high interest rates and the 20% mandatory federal withholding. Ten to Fifteen years ago a cash payout would be under 43% of the posted amount. And don't forget the likelihood of two winners splitting the prize. There was a time when some group cornered a state lottery, but then one of the partners didn't honor the deal.

If one selects the lump sum that is about 1/2 of the total billion win....is that sum amount after taxes or will taxes apply to the lump sum amount?

Plus any state/local income tax.

I have no idea how that works. Are gambling losses deductible?

but if could help on a smaller win. I don't think anything under $600 gets reported. You can usually cash those in at a convenience store.

And many states tax it like income. NY state taxes the "winnings" at 10.9%. And most states require you to be publicly identified as a winner in their promotions, that is an extreme downside. New Jersey allows for anonymous wins, and there may be another few states that allow that.

I can remember not that long ago it was easy to figure out what you might end up with after the smoke cleared. Figure 1/3rd gone for the lump sum payout and 1/3rd for taxes. It came out pretty close. Not anymore.

Powerball sucks,they still have 3 balls and the PB as a $100 payout---ROFLMAO!! I can remember winning that prize several times in the early 90's when the odds were much,much lower. The payout then...$100. That payout should be at least $250 in 2025 just to keep up with inflation.

I like the new Mega Millions game. It's 5.00 to play but that includes a multiplier of 2x to 10x if you win. I do the online Play On type of buying.

Also winners, even 5 figure winners of a not life changing amount get publicly announced. That is unless you buy the ticket in one of the few states to allow anonymous winners like NJ, while the tax authorities will still know.

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