Mega Millions / Powerball / Euromillions -- Which is better?

[olw]

As you know, US lotteries publicize big Jackpots, but based on a annual payment basis.
When you choose a lump sum payment, the prize is cut easily by a half.

On top of that, you have to discount also Federal and State taxes.
Taxes varies depending on whether you are a US resident,
and in which state you (or someone in your behalf) purchased the ticket.

At the end, you receive roughly a third of the announced Jackpot.

Euro Millions is a tax free, lump sum only lottery.
But it plays weekly (not twice a week as US lotteries).

So what do you think? Which is better to play?

[acktiv8]

Interesting facts. Which is best probably comes down to which has the best odds of winning; ie. its better to have a chance of winning half the pot rather than the not winning anything at all. The mega sums offered by EuroMillions will always be tempting though!

[olw]

Ok, here are the combinations:
Euro Millions: 5/50 + 2/9 ==> 76,275,360 combinations
Mega Millions: 5/56 + 1/46 ==> 175,711,536 combinations
Powerball: 5/55 + 1/42 ==> 146,107,962 combinations

Therefore, Euro Milllions is easier to hit, followed by Powerball, and then Mega Millions.

According the criteria indicated, looks like Euro Millions is the best.

But as Euro Millions is easier to hit, it doesn't have much chance to accumulate a big jackpot. At the end US lottos usually shows bigger jackpots, even considering the cash option and tax cuts.

[olw]

To compare these three top lotteries, we must consider the cash option discount, Federal and State taxes (for US lotteries), and also the rate exchange.

I prepared an interesting page:

Online Lottery World

It has updated jackpot information (to the minute!), the tax information and
the exchange rate, and provides you a real-time comparison of these three lotteries.

Please note that take advantage of this information, you will need to indicate
where you leave, so the tax calculation can be done.

As many people leave in countries where they cannot purchase directly the tickets
for these lotteries, I have added information of online lottery ticket providers that
can help you.

Now, when you select an online lottery provider, it is important to find out
where they purchase the tickets, because this will have
implications on your tax calculation (for US lotteries). The web page indicated also
considers this information.

Well, I hope you find it interesting. Enjoy!

If you have any feedback (good or bad) don't hesitate to post it on the site, or here.

[Scott]

I hate tax like anyone but these lotteries posted above like Euro have and often do still hit over £100m jackpot...

Tax or no tax tens of millions of quid would change my life and I wouldnt grumble over the difference between £50m and £70m cus of a bit of tax...

[acktiv8]

I'm with you Scott, if I could take home £50m then Gordon Brown can have his cut too. LoL

Cheers,
Alan

Author of "21 Gambling Eye-Openers" - Take the Gamble Out of Betting
Claim your FREE Complimentary Copy at: 21 Gambling Eye-Openers

[garyl2k]

Lol yeah I wouldn't mind sharing a little of £50, not that greedy, would give some to charity too.