The state that a friend of mine lives in just got Powerball recently. He was asking me some questions on the subject and I wanted to seek advice here.

What do you think is a good weekly amount to spend on the lottery?

I know you have a better chance of getting hit by lightning, but you can't win if you don't play.

And tips or suggestions for my friend?

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"Pro Football is like nuclear warfare. There are no winners, only survivors." Frank Gifford

Always do the quick pick, because I read somewhere that it gives you a better chance of winning. That may not be the case, but that's what I read.

(And, no, I don't believe everything that I read.)

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"If you aren't going all the way, why go at all?" Joe Namath

Surely having the numbers picked randomly by a machine doesn't improve your chances of winning. I think most people just do it because it's faster.

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"You gonna bark all day, little doggie, or are you gonna bite?" - Mr. Blonde from Reservoir Dogs

Statistically, I think more people have won using the quick pick option than their own numbers.

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"If you aren't going all the way, why go at all?" Joe Namath