The Texas Lottery has produced many winners from a wide variety of games since 1992. So far, over $20 billion dollars has been generated for the state of Texas. Proceeds, first distributed to the General Revenue Fund, are now allocated to the Foundation School Fund to support Texas public education. Some money also benefits the Fund for Veteran’s Assistance. Scratch-Offs, Mega Millions, Powerball are the most popular among Texan risk takers. However, one game exists that few are willing to play. All or Nothing debuted in September 2012 to mixed reviews and slight confusion over the specifics of the game.
The rules are so simple for a game rarely played. Odds of winning are one in 4.5 and one ticket can be played up to 24 consecutive drawings at $2 each as a Multi – Draw. The jackpot is $250,000 and awarded if all or none of the selected 12 numbers are chosen. There are also prizes if eight or more and four or less numbers are matched. A player can either Quick Pick or choose 12 numbers from one to twenty-four with other available options on the ticket.
- · All Evens – all even numbers
- · All Odds – all odd numbers
- · 1st 12 #’s – numbers 1 – 12
- · 2nd 12 #’s – numbers 13 – 24
Drawings are held four times a day, six days a week. At least four pretests are performed before each drawing to ensure the machine is working properly and the balls are drawn randomly. Winners have been almost nonexistent as the little known game of probability doesn’t receive as much press as the others. All or Nothing certainly has better chances than Mega Millions or Powerball. However, the game is tough to calculate with only a few hours between each drawing. Frequency and past winning numbers aid players in an eventual choice while others throw caution to the wind and let the computer choose for them. Lottery strategists have developed guides for picking numbers and choosing a method of play. Gail Howard’s website details tips for All or Nothing as well as other Texas Lottery games.
While All or Nothing requires quick thinking and even faster decisions, the game is relatively easy and deserves a second look by gambling Texans. The chance of winning millions is very enticing but often the smaller prizes are easier to obtain. I recently played All or Nothing for the night drawing and although I didn’t win, matching seven of the 12 numbers was encouraging enough to try again.
If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction, please contact Gamblers Anonymous for assistance.
Sources
Gamblers Anonymous, www.gamblersanonymous.org
Smart Luck, www.smartluck.com
The Texas Lottery, www.texaslottery.org