Real Money

The Mega Million's lottery is estimating its next jackpot at a nominal $500 million, with a cash value of $359 million - before taxes, of course. That's real money by most people's standards. More to the point it's at least approaching the point where it makes sense for a well-heeled investor to buy every possible ticket to guarantee a win - at a cost of $175,711,536. Of course if a bunch of people do this, you will have to split the prize with them as well as any lucky bit players there might be.

I'm not to clear on the relevant tax laws, but it's at least plausible that your investment might be deductible.

I'm only in for a buck, but I like my odds, since I've already lost several times before ;)

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