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The Hodgepodge PageAll About the Texas Lottery ...Brought To You By ...
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Continued ... Friday, July 27, 2001 - A couple of things to say. First, I read in the Ft. Worth Star Telegram where Keith Elkins, the Communictions Director was quoted as saying, "... But if someone hits on $4 million, we still have to pay." Correction Keith. The rule clearly states that the 6 of 6 winners share is 68.24% of 55% of total sales or simpler put, the 6 of 6 winner is entitled to 37.532% of total sales and not one cent more. The TLC is paying the winners the amount that it requires to get a return of $4 million because the TLC is FALSELY advertising the "estimated jackpot amounts" and the TLC doesn't want to get sued. And that's a fact. This is the SOLE reason the TLC wants the Commissioners to change the rule to allow the TLC to pay the advertised jackpot amounts from now on - just so the TLC can continue to advertise a starting jackpot at $4 million and pay it "legally." But Keith, you know and I know that in the past the TLC was under-estimating the larger jackpots to make up the differences. Then I started posting the breakdown of sales in July 2000 and showing how much the 6 of 6 winners were suppose to receive. That's when the TLC found itself in a tight spot and straighened itself up. Huh? And while we're at it Keith, tell us - since the TLC is trying to write this in the rule now, doesn't that make it evident that it wasn't written in the rule previously? So, with that being the case, tell us too, why has the TLC been overpaying all those winners? Logic alone says it wasn't necessary - Huh? And finally Keith, tell us too why the TLC only compared 102 draws for the "6/54 One Year Anniversary" when there was actually 105 draws between July 19, 2000 and July 18, 2001? The TLC press release was dated July 20th and that was after the end date. So tell us again how much sales increased using the actual numbers. OK? Second - folks - bad news. The TLC is once again proposing to pay the advertised jackpot amount and not the percentage of sales in the kitty for the 6 of 6 winners. If this rule passes, this will be the biggest screw job the people have ever taken from the TLC. After I have a chance to read the proposal, I'll make suggestions on what we should do. I have other ideas right now - but they'll come later. My sincere apologies if I offended anyone with the use of my foul language above. I simply can't think of the proper words to use that means this. But if you have a better suggestion, I'll post them! Email me. Tuesday, July 24, 2001 - All this bragging and boasting the TLC is doing about how well they've done at the end of one year after adding those 4 balls ... Well, they did increase sales by $135,903,506, they produced fewer winners too - down from 10,120,470 to 9,980,173 total winners - they brought $146 million in just 7 draws which is more than their total increase, and if they honor the percentage of sales due each category according to Rule 401.305, then they're short by $8,215,531. They projected a $26 million increase for the schools, but they failed to bring that in. Technically, the increase for the schools was $15 million but since they overpaid the 6 of 6 winners by over $8 million ... well ... somebody is going to get shortchanged. I'm not sure who. It's either the players, the schools or the TLC. Just read the full report. Also, another report is forth coming about the 6 of 6 winners. Did you know that some players did NOT receive their full share of sales? Yep, and one was shorted by just under $800,000. Boy, is he gonna be mad. Anyway to read the "6/54 at One Year," - the html version contains a little more info - html version, click here - for pdf version (requires Adobe Reader), click here Friday, July 13, 2001 - On Wednesday, July 11, the winners from the May 19, 2001 $28 million Lotto Texas drawing collected their winnings in Austin. As you recall, the ticket was purchased in Plano. The TLC issued a press release that said Mayflower, L.P. of Austin is a partnership with Mayflower Enterprises LLC as the general partner. Well, when there are no individuals names listed, I always make an open records request to obtain the names. And, they've always sent it to me - at the very last minute. Anyway, yesterday, I made my ritual open records request with the TLC regarding this winner but yesterday afternoon I received an email and a phone call from Diane Morris, one of TLC attorneys, explaining that they [TLC] will be seeking an opinion from the attorney general's office for this open record request. In laymans terms, this was nothing more than a stall tactic - the public has a right to this information. Well, folks I'm sure you can imagine my disbelief, anger, frustration etc - especially since this information is clearly a matter of public record and is filed with the Secretary of State and the Comptroller's office. I have now contacted the Secretary Of State and as a result, have already received all the information I wanted. I have posted on my "Winners Page" the phone numbers to call should you ever want to receive detailed information on the partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, corporations and the such. I think you'll find the Secretary of State and the Comptrollers office much easier and faster to deal with than the TLC. This should also take care of your calls asking me who the winners were. If you want to go the "Winners Page," just click here. Monday, July 9, 2001 - Regarding Texas 2 Step - I've received several inquiries asking how I know sales for this game aren't what the TLC had hoped for. Well, the reason I know is because the TLC projected and promoted that the average prize would be $417,466 but as of today, (7-9-01), the average prize is only $310,314.33. That's a dead give away. I'm working on some very interesting "facts" for you with regard to the "First Year Celebration of 6/54." If you'll recall, the first 6/54 drawing was on July 19, 2001. The TLC definitely increased their sales - in fact - they're quoting by 30%. WOW! But, the real question is, did they make more money too? And that answer is a definite NO! Basically, I've already finished and have the numbers to date, but we still have 3 more drawings to include before we can make it official. Maybe I'll post what I have and adjust it after each of the next 3 draws. I'll think about it. Friday - July 6, 2001 - The Corpus Christi Caller-Times ran an editorial that ya'll should read. I've posted it here on my web site. Many thanks to the three callers who made me aware of this so I could share it with you. I sure hope Keith Elkins doesn't find out about it because he'll probably suspend their lottery information for writing such a piece. I'm certain this story wasn't approved by the TLC! Click here to read it. Wednesday, July 4, 2001 - I know I've been quiet here lately and I'm sorry - I've just been busy. Let me start by wishing all of you a happy 4th of July. Independence Day - sure hope some lucky Texan finds their independence today by winning the lotto tonight! Regarding the latest proposed plan - it's in a pending stage right now. Ms. Kiplin is re-writing and I'm not sure what they'll propose. They will probably put a new plan before the Commissioners this month (July) and they could very well still propose the same plan even though they have comments of opposition from the players. I just posted another letter on the comment page where I spelled out what I thought the TLC's options were. Click here to read. The comments - how many did we get? I still don't know the exact count and I've realized it doesn't really matter. We got enough. You see, I learned that most of the time when they have a rule change proposed, they usually don't receive any comments from the people so what they do have is more than they can handle. Shoot, the truth is, the people don't even know when they are trying to change something nor do the people even understand what it's all about anyway. I have not printed all the comments out but I have sent them what I did print - I will wait and see what they propose next before proceeding. But if you haven't commented on this issue, please do. We may still need them. Yes - they are currently conducting a phone survey. I asked them how they chose the people to contact but they had no "responsive" document to provide me with. In other words, they wouldn't tell me. I want to assure you however, that they have told me they do not keep your names on record, they do not sell them or use them to contact you without your permission. Now I realize they aren't known for having the best integrity in the world and do some under-handed things, but I refuse to believe they would stoop this low. Yes, I know retailers are pulling their lottery signs. I met with a group of retailers last week and they told me that since the TLC refuses to pay them for the space, they are refusing to give them free advertising now. So more signs are coming down. I am beginning a new campaign of educating the retailers and they [retailers] get really mad when they learn some of the things I've shown them. They honestly didn't know it. There are 2 basic groups of people involved in a lottery. There is the lottery itself and their vendors - vendors like G-Tech, the scratch ticket printers and ad agencies, etc. The second group consists of the players and the retailers who sell the products to the players. Without the 2nd group, the first group can't survive. And its the latter group who's taken all the screwing so it's all coming down now. You need to believe me ... overall the retailers are required to do too much work and give too much space and time for the amount of money they make on the lottery. And the retailers literally control lottery sales. But they come out ahead by concentrating their efforts on selling gum, soft drinks, cigarettes, chips etc. And that's what they are doing now. This really hurts me too because I'm lottery related - now, just use your business sense and imagination on that last statement to figure out what's happening to my business. The $141 million winner from California. It's an eye opener to see that the winner only cleared $42 million - You see, advertising "$141 Million" draws people from everywhere and entices spending ... and more spending than what many people should spend chasing a dream like this. Then the winner only clears one third of the advertised figure. What a disappointment that must have been - in a sense. Most people don't realize that the 6 of 6 winners share is only a percentage of sales that is invested to bring in a return of the advertised amount over a period of 20 to 30 years. When you stop and think that the state gets at least one half of sales right up front, then the other half is taxed by the feds - shoot, the people who put all the money in actually receives very little that was actually generated from the lottery. Someone really needs to lobby for changes - or cease the lotteries. They are not fair game. I can't believe I said that but I can see where we should probably start taking our gambling monies to the boats, Vegas or to the horse races. At least we get more of it back when we win. One more thing about the California's lottery. Last year, California did away their "lotto" as we know it and have it here in Texas. They replaced it with a "mini-powerball" type game. In California, players select 5 numbers between 1 and 47. Then players select 1 number between 1 and 27. It requires TWO drawings and TWO ball sets. There are 74 balls total - There are 41,416, 353 total combinations. Can you comprehend how many this is and how lucky one must be to have that ONE set of winning numbers? That's why the pot grew to $141 million. By the way, I did post the story about the $141 million winner. Click here to read it. Well, I hope my long editorial today has made up for no editorial in the last couple of weeks. I am here and I do appreciate all the kinds words ya'll send me. Those message keep me going. Have a happy and safe 4th of July. Wednesday, June 13, 2001 - The TLC will probably overpay the June 9, 2001 - $21 Million winner - by $578,197.60. In 1997, Linda Cloud decided to start paying the "estimated advertised jackpot amount" to all 6 of 6 winners and not the "rightful percentage of sales" due them. EXCEPT, of course, when there was more money in the pool for the 6 of 6 winner than was required to get a return of the advertised amounts, she then paid the percentage of sales instead. See the "Money Page" for the financial breakdown. Click here. 7:30 PM - The TLC web site is down again. I never did get an answer as to what was wrong this past week-end but I will make a point to inquire tomorrow and report whatever is going on to you. Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - I posted a copy of the letter I sent to Kim Kiplin regarding my opposition to the proposed rule changes plus other objections I have concerning the TLC. She said she wanted specifics, so I obliged! It's in PDF format, click here to read it. Saturday, June 9, 2001 - For what I know about the TLC web site being down and why the Cash 5 numbers were reported incorrectly last night (June 8), just click here. Thursday, June 7, 2001 - It took some doing, but I've posted a portion of the transcript from the May 30, 2001 Commissioners meeting where they discussed the proposed rule change - the attempt to start paying 6 of 6 winners the "advertised amount" and not the "percentage of sales" due them. You will see where my previous stated theories were verified by the TLC. Anyway, this transcript is not only very interesting to read, but it's a tremendous way of learning how the TLC really works. And of course, I've thrown in my 2 cents worth so beware! Please take the time to read it in it's entirety - I've had to read it 4 times just to make sure I picked up everything. I'm still requesting to receive comment - please send it to me so we'll have it when they bring in another proposal. Anyway, click here to read it. Monday, June 4, 2001 - Updated Again! - I've posted a chart, on the drawing results page below the results themselves, the short history on how players came out on the "estimated & advertised" jackpot figures for the top prizes for all the Texas 2 Step drawings. (There's been 5 drawings and three drawings produced winners.) Also included is the breakdown of sales and carry-overs figures so you can see if you agree with how the TLC "really" arrives at the "estimated" jackpot figures. After I saw how they arrived at the "jackpot figures" and knowing this is how they are trying to change the Lotto Texas rule (to pay the "advertised" amount and not the actual percentage of sales), I can't help but wonder how anyone will ever support them again. Go read it and see what I mean. Click here and scroll down to "Paying the estimated jackpot and not the actual percentage of sales." I've also updated the "scratch off tickets" page which now include the latest tickets. Sorry but I was out of town for over 3 weeks. Link on top. Tuesday, May 29, 2001 - An interesting note - For the first Texas 2 Step drawing, the TLC paid the actual percentage of sales to the 3 winners and not the "advertised" amount as the rule states they are to do for this game. For the May 18th drawing, sales totaled $1,201,819. According to the playslip, each winner will receive $91,258 making the total payout $273,774 and this equals exactly 22.78% of total sales - (22.78% is the percentage of total sales that is to be set aside for the top prize winner.) However, for the 3rd Texas 2 Step drawing that was won - sales were $868,695 for the May 22nd drawing and $1,166,343 for the May 25th drawing making total sales $2,035,038. When you take 22.78% of total sales, that equals $463,581 but the playslip says the winner will only receive $350,000 which was the "advertised" amount. Talk about double standards. Go figure that one out. Oh well, so much for abiding by the law as it is written! Also, sales for Texas 2 Step are NOT what the TLC had hoped for. The first Texas 2 Step drawing brought in $1,201,819 and the second drawing only brought in $868,695. For comparisons - the first Texas Million drawing brought in $6,142,592 - the first Cash 5 drawing brought in $2,244,880 - and the first Lotto Texas drawing brought in $5,085,959. Keep in mind that Texas Million was $2 per play while Lotto Texas & Cash 5 was only $1 per play too. I think given this data the TLC is currently running around like chickens with their heads cut off trying to figure out what went wrong. Someone needs to tell them that "greed" is the root of all gambling losses. Wednesday, May 23, 2001 - A very quick note to tell ya'll that I lost my grandmother Monday night. I returned home last night but will have to leave town again in the morning. This is press week for me and the report is late in getting to the retail outlets this time. Delieveries will start this afternoon and because I'm leaving town again, some stores may not receive their deliveries until the first part of next week. But my delivery people will do their best to squeeze me in with their other routes. I've been doing the Lotto Report since 1993 and this is the first time I've ever been late. So please forgive me. My grandmother was a very special person. She was the Kappa Sigma Fraternity mother at SMU for 35 years and literally has thousands of boys who loved her and supported her in her final days and over the years. Letters, faxes, emails, cards and flowers came from all over the country and were appreciated tremendously by her. I also appreciate the kindness shown to me by all those who knew me from SMU - thank you very much. To all of you who only know me from my web site - many thanks for all the email saying you were praying for a speedy recovery for my grandmother. I truly appreciate your kind words and prayers. I was unable to answer all the mail but I did get it and it was truly a lift. This world really is full of wonderful people. Thank you all.
Continued....click here to read more
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