The Big Gamble

Tomorrow, California joins the eleven other states that participate in the Mega-Millions lottery game. It is the nation's largest game with the potential for the most prize money (and the worst odds). The expected jackpot for tomorrow is $42 million (Saturday's California only Super Lotto Plus is a piddling $10 million). The new game doesn't come without controversy, though. As discussed on Which Way, LA? last night, the state legislature doesn't believe that the state lottery commission has the legal right to join the multi-state game (or change any of our lottery games in a significant way) without government approval. State Senator Florez talked as if this was another one of the many battles between what the Governor wants and what the rules of the state allow.

But the first drawing that California will participate in will happen anyway. American Idol winner Carrie Underwood, for reasons we haven't quite been able to figure out, will be on hand for the drawing/announcement.