Plus $1 billion...

[Joods]

I always just let the computer give me random numbers on my tickets. I always get the megaplier as well as the power play options for both games.

We don't play but maybe a few times a year. No skin off our noses if we don't hit the big jackpot. People who do play weekly though should consider saving their non winning tickets because according to their state, they might be eligible for a tax deduction, if you have enough other deductions to file a long form.

You can only deduct loses equal to the amount you won.

I'm referring to tickets that weren't winners. In PA, for example, you can use non-winning tickets as a tax deduction.

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I've never played the lottery.  In general, I don't gamble.  I've thought about it when the payout gets this high, but it's still pretty stupid no matter how you rationalize it.

Here in PA, much of the purchase of lottery tickets and lottery scratch offs goes to our aging population and programs geared towards them such as reduced co-pays on medications, meals on wheels programs, senior rides to doctors and senior centers can get funds for their various activities. 

Where some of the money goes