Mega Millions tops $640 million, creates huge temptation for addicts

Mega Millions tops $640 million, creates huge temptation for addicts

LAWRENCE, KS (KCTV) - Lotto mania is sweeping the nation with the historic Mega Millions jackpot up for grabs. But for gambling addicts, this is a tough time.

Officials announced Friday that the Mega Millions jackpot has jumped to $640 million. If just one ticket matches all six numbers, the winner could receive the full jackpot in 26 annual payments of about $24.6 million or a cash option of $462 million.

Nick Nachbar bought two tickets Thursday.

"It's just kind of a thrill thing because if you did win, it would be crazy," he said.

But for others, the publicity about the Mega Millions is creating an incredible temptation to give in to their gambling addiction.

I really want to play that," Gene, a gambling addict, told KCTV5. "The third thought would be the same as the second."

Addiction counselor Duane Olberding says for addicts that gambling is like a drug.

"Because really, addiction has to do with neurotransmitters," Olberding said. "People are addicted to neurotransmitters going between this dendrite and this dendrite."

Dave says he battles his addiction by ignoring the hubbub.


"I try not to pay any attention to things that trigger the desire to gamble," he said. "Like a radio commercial comes on, I will turn the radio off."

Olberding agreed.

"When you have this much publicity, and there's a lot of publicity, it's now a lot of these triggers," he said. "The big part of the addiction is the fantasy."


In Kansas, free treatment for gambling addicts and their families is offered. Call 1-800-522-4700.


The last Mega Millions winner was on Jan. 24. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1:176 million. The odds of winning any Mega Millions prizes is 1:40.