I&#x27;m genuinely surprised by the popular opinion that people play lotto only to win a nearly impossible jackpot.  I rarely play, but when I do it&#x27;s during the big frenzies like this just for kicks but with decent chances making my money back with a bit extra.  I spent $3 (powerball single + multiplier).  I won $4 last night by getting just the multiplier right (1:39 odds).<p>The Mega Millions games has 1:14.71 odds of winning.  I&#x27;ll play both Powerball and MM once or twice a year and my loose accounting on my winnings lands me around +$4.  Basically nothing over the years but I have enjoyed the frenzy.<p>I don&#x27;t think I fall into &quot;stupid tax&quot; territory and I <i>do</i> understand the probability of a jackpot win.  I just don&#x27;t care about it and enjoy the little rush of the chance.