Understand the System: Being Polite Won’t Cost You a Lottery Jackpot8 months ago

Powerball winner, Gloria C. MacKenzie, 84, took home a lump sum prize of $370.0 million after winning the jackpot. According to the winner, when she purchased her lottery ticket, a much younger woman let her cut in line. Many journalists have suggested that the woman’s random act of kindness cost her $590 million (announced jackpot). In fact, it did not. Before we let mathematical misunderstanding and lottery regret put another dent incivility everywhere, let us assure you: it’s okay to let a senior citizen step in front of you when buying a ticket.