Core Viewpoint - The recent adjustments to the rules of the Double Color Ball and Super Lotto aim to enhance public perception of the lottery's charitable nature while ensuring the long-term health of the game and guiding social sentiment [3][7][10]. Summary by Sections Rule Changes - The first prize total for both the Double Color Ball and Super Lotto will now be capped at 100 million yuan. The Double Color Ball will introduce a new 5 yuan lucky prize, while the Super Lotto will increase the prizes for the third tier and below [1][3][5]. - The probability of winning the first prize in the Double Color Ball is approximately 1 in 17.72 million, while for the Super Lotto, it is about 1 in 22 million [1][3]. Public Reaction - A sales representative from a Beijing lottery store noted that most customers showed indifference to the rule changes, as the first prize remains distant for average players. Only one customer expressed frustration, stating they would stop playing due to the perceived reduction in excitement [2][3]. Expert Opinions - Industry experts believe the adjustments differ significantly from past changes, focusing on aligning with public expectations regarding the lottery's charitable role and preventing excessive gambling behavior. The changes are seen as necessary to maintain a balance between game appeal and social responsibility [3][10]. - The adjustments are designed to discourage the "get-rich-quick" mentality and high-stakes betting, promoting a more rational approach to lottery participation [3][7]. Prize Distribution Changes - The new rules stipulate that if the prize pool exceeds 1 billion yuan, the first prize will be capped at 100 million yuan, with specific adjustments to how prizes are distributed among different tiers [5][6]. - For the Super Lotto, when the prize pool exceeds 800 million yuan, the prizes for the third tier and below will increase by over 20%, enhancing the appeal of smaller prizes [6][13]. Potential Risks - There is a concern that the new cap on the first prize could lead to a situation where the prize for the first and second tiers may be lower than that of the third tier if too many winners emerge, creating a "hot pot" effect where individual payouts decrease significantly [7][13]. - The risk of increased small prize payouts could lead to a surge in the number of winners, potentially straining the prize pool and affecting the overall trust in the lottery system [13]. Industry Development Suggestions - Experts suggest that the Chinese lottery industry should consider diversifying its offerings to include larger jackpot games similar to the US "Powerball" or the European "EuroMillions," which could help mitigate the issues arising from high-stakes betting and prize caps [15][16].
买彩票再也成不了亿万富翁
经济观察报·2026-01-23 12:51