odds of getting 3 of the same bonus numbers

Hello all.

I would like to know what the odd of getting the same bonus number 3 times on a 10 pick Mega Millions ticket.

Every time I spend $20 and get 10 on one ticket, I get 3 of the same bonus numbers.

The last 3 times i have had quick pick tickets for $20.00, I have seen the same bonus number 3 times on each one.

What are the odds?

The only thing I know is that when I get 3 of the same bonus numbers on a ticket, that bonus number is definitely not coming up.

I have the tickets for proof.

Thanks.

O idea what the odds are,but a coworker mentioned the same thing. I told her next time tell them you want x number of chances on the mega millions,but not on the same ticket. It is a computer program which is only infallible as the person who wrote it. X being the number of tickets you want in your case 10. Good luck in winning the jackpot and who gave you this advice if you win lol

Quote: avianrandy

O idea what the odds are,but a coworker mentioned the same thing. I told her next time tell them you want x number of chances on the mega millions,but not on the same ticket. It is a computer program which is only infallible as the person who wrote it. X being the number of tickets you want in your case 10. Good luck in winning the jackpot and who gave you this advice if you win lol
link to original post

There's another reason to do that: the small wins shaft you in taxes.

Suppose, for example, that you play ten bux per drawing, and enter all 104 drawings. That's $1040 dollars (ironic) You get a single ticket each drawing, which means that all five lines are on the ticket. One of them wins the bonus, a $2 win. You have $8 in losses. Say this happens every drawing (unlikely, but go with me here). You have $208 in winnings, but $832 in losses. Thing is, the seller has to hang onto the ticket to document that it was a winner (I've heard this explanation from an operator) So, you don't have the losing ticket to document your lottery losses.

Then you get a 1200 W-2G and can't lay it off against your casino losses, because you lack documentation....but you have your lottery tickets....oh. You could have reduced your 1200 win by 832, leaving $362 to be taxed.

This is where folks point out that wins are on the 'front side' of the 1040 and losses are in Schedule A, a 'back-side' of the 1040, and most people won't be able to deduct losses because they don't meet the standard deduction. I know. I'm talking theory here, that wins and losses should offset.

I know we're talking dinky bux, but it's the theory. Plus, you never know when you're going to be looking at every scrap of paper come April 10, looking for a lifeline.