The Cash Fever!

Back up again and I am guessing Americans will shelve a little bit of money for a chance at being a billionaire.

It's happened again! The lottery is back up again.

The Multi-State Lottery Association is happy to announce that the Mega Millions jackpot is over half a billion. The $1 game is played on Tuesday and Fridays.

The matrix is 1:75 with the Mega Ball 1:15. Out of 75 numbers and 15 Mega Balls, you can become an instant millionaire (or billionaire).

You can also have an opportunity to make the amount bigger if you chose the Multiplier. The Multiplier can be an "X" amount ball you can win up to 5 times the amount for a ticket if you select the Multiplier option.

A Mega Million matrix chart (courtesy of the Oklahoma Lottery Commission).

I won't tell you what the current jackpot is. It will go up without notice and based on ticket sales, it will probably reach $1 billion by draw time. It will bring attention to stores where lines are long, the purchase of ticket sales could be over $500 and people predicting what they'll do with that amount of money.

Check it, if you are playing remember the rules of the game. You must be 18 years old or older to play in the state that offer lottery games. Some states may require you to be 21 years old or older.

You are responsible for your Multi-State Lottery Game purchase. Mega Millions, Powerball and MUSL games cannot be canceled. So if the cashier or you make a mistake in the purchase, you are responsible for paying for it.

You must write your name on the back of the lottery game. I always recommend you take a picture of the ticket(s) purchased. If you happen to win the ticket, you can go to the regional lottery commission to acknowledge that you're in possession of the winning ticket. The state lottery commission can determine where you purchased your ticket. The lottery retailer identification number is printed on any ticket sold at a participating location.

If you lose your ticket at least you have evidence in case a thief would cash in your winnings. Some states classify a stolen ticket as a felony grand theft that could be punishable up to no less than 10 years.

If you purchase a ticket in a neighboring state, you must return to the state you purchased the ticket.

Example: I went into an Ohio retailer to purchase a Mega Millions ticket and headed home. I found out that I won $500 dollars. I went into my local gas station in Kansas to cash my ticket and the clerk said that he can't do it because it's not the Kansas Lottery approved ticket. Now I have to either mail the ticket or head back to Ohio to claim my prize.

If you win the Mega Millions, make sure you have a clear head. The rush will get you. This will change your life. You can be rich in one minute, poor in less than 10 years. You must confirm that you have the ticket by going to your state lottery's website or the official Mega Millions website.

You can also get a smart app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.  Your state's lottery offers a way to beat the long lines. You can plug your numbers on the app and get the code to print the game through either a terminal or a vending machine.

It also gives you options on how to check a winning ticket.

Cancel your social media and limit your phone and email intakes. Don't post on Facebook you hit the lottery because it's a giveaway for a person to find your location and rob you of your properties.

In some states you can be anonymous when claiming a huge prize.

You must also hire a qualified lottery attorney who specializes in handling large sums, will in testament, power of attorney and financial handling of assets.

Do not get eager to spend on stupid trends or expensive items. Use the winnings to pay off debts, child support, spousal support, college loans, car loans, home loans, apartment bills, credit cards, and fines issued by a state. Keep your own savings in tact just in case you might lose a majority of your winnings due to a debt.

Understand that the lottery will change you. You will become more cautious about the people around you. You might win new friends or requests for marriage (if you're single).

Have fun and play responsibly. If you have a gambling problem, there are agencies sponsored by the state's lottery commission that could help you find ways to curb the need to win!

Read my honest opinions on the lottery here. If you have any ideas or solutions post them in the comments section.