TIRAGE GLOSSARY

What does "PPR" mean for a scratch-off?

By Tirage Analysis Desk · · 3 min · 🌟 featured-snippet target

Definition

Prize pool ratio (PPR) is the percentage of a game's total advertised prize value that remains unclaimed. A PPR of 68% means 68% of the original prize pool — by dollar value — is still available to be won. It is distinct from % tickets remaining, which measures ticket count rather than dollar value.

Also called: prize pool ratio, remaining prize value ratio, unclaimed prize percentage

How it's calculated

We sum the dollar value of all remaining prizes across every tier (remaining count × prize amount) and divide by the total original prize pool (initial count × prize amount) across all tiers. This computation is updated every time new prize-remaining data is published by the state lottery. PPR is a signal our models weight heavily in multi-variable opportunity assessments.

When it matters

PPR is most useful when compared against % tickets remaining. If 70% of tickets remain but only 40% of the prize pool remains, high-value prizes have been claimed at a faster rate than low-value ones — a warning sign. The reverse (30% of tickets remaining, 55% of prize pool remaining) suggests top prizes have been spared and EV/$ is elevated.

Example

A $10 game has 5,000 tickets remaining out of 200,000 printed (2.5% tickets remaining) but $850,000 in unclaimed prizes out of a $1.5M starting pool (57% PPR). The disproportionately high PPR suggests the jackpot is still live.

People also ask

How is prize pool ratio different from EV/$?+

PPR measures what fraction of the original prize money is left. EV/$ measures the expected return per dollar spent at current ticket prices. A high PPR can coexist with a low EV/$ if the game has many tickets remaining (denominator is large). EV/$ is the more decision-relevant number.

Does a high prize pool ratio guarantee a good buy?+

Not by itself. If few tickets have been sold, a high PPR simply means the game is fresh. What matters is the relationship between PPR and % tickets remaining — and ultimately EV/$.

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