MM: $76[$55m-72%] PB: $173[$107.7m-62%] So, PB is higer than MM by $100m;However, now that PB costs $2 you get 5 lines for $10, but 12 lines of MM in NY for $10. Also, the cash option is same since you pay twice for a PB ticket. Meaning, given old PB odds and cost at $1, then better to play it instead of MM... notwithstanding MM's higher 2nd prize. Personally, I preferred to have a choice of both $1 of PB and powerplay for $2, not $3. So anyone taking lump sum should go for MM instead of PB. Annuity is $6.65m - PB, $2.9 - MM. I bought $4 of MM w/MP, will buy $10 of QP to get +$2QP. I'll take the lump sum.
You're throwing an awful lot of math out there, how come your figuring hasn't told you what a bad deal lottery games are? They pay out 50 -55% on the dollar, that's terrible, that's worse than any other gambling anywhere, period. You can play it for fun, but any calculations should conclude DONT PLAY.
I compared NY's 'Numbers' & Take5 to slots and video poker, and figure they pay out bigger jackpots and have better odds. If you dont play, 100% you dont win. That Maryland couple played $3 QP of MM, and won 1/3 of $656m. Which casino has such payouts?
The odds(payout percentages) on lottery games is about 50%, the very worst slot machines will pay 85%, with most well into the 90's. There is no worse way to gamble than the lottery. If you want to win millions then play the megabucks machines, but understand that their payout %'s are worse as well, than regular games. In spite of what I said, I play the lottery as well when the pots get big...just in case!
I am a proponent of both games. I play at least a couple bucks every draw. yes the odds are against me but hey, it's all for fun and with a few bucks maybe I'll get all the bills paid off and ensure that I, and my family, can live comfortably. Typically I spend more on Mega Millions though. The changes Powerball made at the beginning of the year are ridiculous, so they dont see my money as much as they used to. I will admit that after about the 130 or 150 MIllion Mark, I will buy a few extra tickets, and at 200 Millions (for either game) 3 other friends and I at work to a pool. As for those saying various other casino games are better odds, that might be true, but I can walk into dozens of gas stations around me in TN and play the lottery, whereas the closest casino to me is 3 hours away, so I think you can see where it is easy to get my gamblin' "fix". If I lived closer to a casino...hmmmm, that would be trouble.