I don't condone gambling and never will, but people like doing the Lotto. A few quid, pick your numbers and hope for the best. People have been doing it for years.
But what's happened to our National Lottery is shameful.
We privatised the running of it in 2014. First it was mainly controlled by a Canadian pension fund and now the company running it is owned by the French lottery company FDJ.
And let's be real here, it's a business. It's there to make money.
Now we're seeing jackpots reduced, the average jackpot expected to be lower, some smaller prizes cut and another draw thrown in on a Monday.
Match 3 can be €4 now. €4 😂 What's the point?
Yes they've reduced the numbers from 47 to 45 so technically you've a better chance of winning, but people aren't stupid. They're looking at what they're actually winning.
I'm hearing it everywhere now. "I'm finished with it", "I'm not doing it anymore", "it's not worth it".
And maybe that's the answer. Stop doing it.
Again, I don't encourage gambling whatsoever, but for people who enjoyed a Lotto ticket every week, it's sad to see what our National Lottery has become.
It's supposed to be a bit of fun and a dream of winning a few quid.
Not another money making machine.
MAIN LOTTO – WHAT YOU WON BEFORE THE CHANGES
6 numbers — Jackpot
5 + Bonus — Around €100,000
5 numbers — Around €1,500
4 + Bonus — Around €150
4 numbers — Around €50
3 + Bonus — Around €25
3 numbers — Around €9
2 + Bonus — €3 Quick Pick
MAIN LOTTO – WHAT YOU WIN NOW
6 numbers — Jackpot
5 + Bonus — Around €75,000
5 numbers — Around €1,200
4 + Bonus — Around €120
4 numbers — Around €40
3 + Bonus — Around €20
3 numbers — €4
2 + Bonus — €4