How can i increase my chances of winning the mega millions

As the Mega Millions jackpot increased to over $1 billion this week, many have wondered if there are any tips to picking specific numbers to help their chances of winning.

According to the Mega Millions website, the jackpot is now listed at $1.02 billion, after nobody won Tuesday's drawing which ended with the numbers 7, 29, 60, 63 and 66, with the Mega Millions ball came in at 15. The odds of matching all six numbers and winning the Mega Millions jackpot is listed at one in 302,575,350.

"For the third time in the 20-year history of Mega Millions, the jackpot has surpassed the magical $1 billion mark," the Mega Millions said in a press release on Wednesday. "Friday's prize, as currently estimated, is just shy of the $1.050 billion jackpot won in Michigan on January 22, 2021. The Mega Millions record jackpot is $1.537 billion, won in South Carolina on October 23, 2018; that prize remains the world's largest lottery prize ever won on a single ticket."

While many lottery players chose their tickets based on favorite numbers or special dates in their lives, some websites have been keeping track of numbers most likely to show up.

The website USA Mega has been tracking winning Mega Millions numbers since 2017, and while there is no surefire way of picking winning numbers, statistics could possibly help. According to USA Mega, among the first five numbers, the most common number drawn since 2017 is 17, as it has been drawn 48 times and has appeared in 1.94 percent of draws. Following behind 17 is 10, 14 and 31, as they have all been drawn 47 times since 2017. The data shows that numbers 4 and 7 have been drawn 44 times and numbers 8 and 11 have been drawn 43 times.

When looking at the Mega Million ball, data from USA Mega shows that 22 has been the most common number drawn since 2017, as it has appeared as the final number in 5.66 percent of drawings. The second most likely Mega ball number is 11 as it has been drawn 26 times since 2017. The full list of Mega Millions numbers and Mega balls can be found at the USA Mega site here.

While the statistics show which numbers are likely to be drawn, Todd Northrop, the owner of USA Mega told Newsweek, "Because the lottery is truly random, there is no particular combination that has a better chance of winning than any other."

"So, when choosing your numbers we recommend you choose what would be considered 'unusual' numbers to play, so that if you do happen to win, there is a smaller chance that you'll have to share the jackpot with other winning tickets with the same numbers," Northrop said. "Our bottom-line advice is to choose numbers you think most people would not play so that if you do happen to win, your chances of keeping that big jackpot all to yourself are much better."

Another way to increase chances of winning is to purchase more lottery tickets. While speaking with WWLP news in Massachusetts, Springfield College professor of mathematics and computer science Andrew Perry said "If you buy 100 tickets, for example, then your odds are about one in 3 million instead of 1 in 300 million."

Many lottery players may believe that picking the same numbers every time they play will increase their chances, however, according to a lottery expert, this is not the case.

"Each draw is a unique event. Which means what happened last draw has zero effect on this draw. If ball 10 came out last time, mathematically, that doesn't make it any more or less likely to appear next time," lottery expert, Lottery Guy wrote in a blog post. "So in pure math terms if you play the same numbers all the time, or change them every week—it makes no difference at all. Because mathematically each set of numbers always has exactly the same chance of being drawn. And each draw is a single unique event. Simple as that."

The next Mega Millions drawing is set to take place on Friday, July 29 at 11 p.m. ET. Tickets to play the Mega Millions cost $2 per play.

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Everyone dreams of winning the lottery, even without having a single lucky number to rely on. Winning a big payday is a long-shot, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun playing. There are some basic strategies you can use to improve your chances. Play smartly by adopting picking strategies and playing different lottery games. Winning isn’t guaranteed, but you can still have plenty of fun playing in the hopes of hearing your numbers called.

1. 

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   Choose a wide range from the numbers available in the lottery. Most people play common numbers like their birth or anniversary date. Picking those “lucky” numbers limits your ability to win since many lotteries include higher numbers other players tend to ignore. There are only 12 months and 31 days to pick from! You’re better off picking a mixed bag of low and high numbers instead of a few that are close together.[1]

   • For example, a Mega Millions ticket starts with 5 numbers between 1 and 70. You might play 1, 15, 36, 48, and 63. It is a unique ticket that not a lot of people are likely to pick.
   • Think of the odds as well. Many people go for numbers that seem meaningful. Even if you win, you might end up having to share the prize with them.

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   Pick different numbers without following a pattern. If you’re working hard to come up with a clever number pattern, you’re playing yourself out of a potential winner. Since lotteries pull from a range of numbers, those patterns aren’t likely to show up on the winning ticket. Instead, come up with a range of numbers you like. If they look random on paper, then you’re on the right track.[2]

   • A winning ticket is unlikely to consist of a pattern like 3, 13, 23, 33, 43. It also isn’t likely to be a short range of numbers like 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25.
   • Mix up your ticket with both odd and even numbers. Although the winning numbers could be all odd, for instance, it is unlikely.

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   Play the same numbers every time you buy a ticket. So your first ticket doesn’t win you any money. The next time you go back to buy a ticket, you may feel tempted to switch to “luckier” numbers, but don’t do it! The odds of you predicting the winning numbers in a game is very low. Instead, stick to the same numbers in case they show up.[3]

   • In theory, your numbers will eventually get picked. Number combinations that were picked in the past are unlikely to come up again. There are too many possible combinations to make this a guarantee, however.
   • You can’t predict the winning numbers, so don’t stress yourself out by trying to. Each drawing is its own random event. Don’t even bother looking at past winners for “lucky” numbers.

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   Use quick picks if you’re uncertain what numbers to play. Quick picks usually aren’t recommended, but they can serve as a starting point when you’re new to a game. With a quick pick, the lottery machine selects numbers for you. Many people win this way, although the odds aren’t any different than when you pick your own numbers.[4]

   • Quick picks are random, so you know you will end up with a unique set of numbers no one else is likely to have. It has as much of a chance of winning a single drawing as a ticket you picked yourself.
   • Quick picks save you time, but keep in mind that it’s all chance. Randomly picking numbers that match randomly-picked winning numbers is extra unlikely. These numbers are also harder to remember than ones you play all the time.

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1. 

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   Purchase a single ticket if you’re looking to get started playing. All you need is a single ticket to play. While you can always buy more, the extra tickets often do not increase your odds of winning by a significant amount. Since your chance of winning is so low on the most popular games, you don’t need to go out of your way to spend lots of money playing. You’re better off setting aside a part of your budget for tickets when you have some money to spare.[5]

   • Some people buy hundreds of tickets and lose. Don’t get caught up by the hype of a big jackpot!
   • The biggest lotteries have the ability to print an unlimited number of tickets for every possible number combination. That is why the extra tickets usually don’t pay off.

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   Play weekly if you have money to set aside for a ticket. You can’t win if you don’t play! Since winning is all about luck, increase your chances by getting in the game as often as possible. Many lotteries have a drawing each week. Purchase a ticket before each new drawing in order to give yourself a shot at the jackpot.

   • The week you don’t play could be the week where your numbers come up. If you really want to win, play as often as you can. Having patience and dedication helps.[6]

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   Join a lottery pool to purchase multiple tickets as a group. Organize a group at your office, school, church, or anywhere else you can find people willing to play. In a pool, everyone who joins agrees to buy at least one ticket. If someone wins, they split the money evenly with everyone else in the pool. Depending on how many people join the pool, you could accumulate a bunch of tickets without shelling out a lot of your own money.[7]

   • Keep in mind that the odds of a big jackpot are still very remote and, if you do win, you will have to share the payout with everyone in the pool.
   • Make sure someone trustworthy handles the money and tickets. Keep a photocopy of your ticket and receipt to ensure you have proof in case you win.

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   Play less often if you wish to chase a big jackpot. Instead of getting a ticket for every single drawing, save up to play for the big prize. If you’re accustomed to playing a game weekly, you could set aside your money until the payout gets bigger. That way, you get to have fun without spending more than you normally would. The extra tickets bump up your chances of winning very slightly.

   • The odds of winning are still low no matter how many tickets you get, but this strategy could be fun for you if you’re only in it for the big payout. Many lotteries, including big ones like Powerball, have a cumulative jackpot that gets bigger when no one wins.
   • For the best chance of winning money, do this for a smaller game such as a state pick-3. With bigger games like EuroMillions, your odds will still be very low.

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1. 

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   Invest in smaller lottery games with less numbers to choose from. When the jackpot climbs for the world’s biggest lotteries, most people forget about the smaller games. These games often have better odds and are more likely to pay out. Look for games that pick from a smaller set of numbers or fewer balls. On the downside, these games pay less in prize money than the most popular games.

   • Regional lottery games have better odds than big games like Powerball and Mega Millions. For example, try a state pick-3 game. You only have to pick 3 numbers to win instead of 5 or 6.

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   Purchase scratchcards for a quicker and simpler way to play. Many regional lotteries offer scratch-off games. These cards are instant and have better odds of awarding money than big lottery drawings. That means the payouts tend to be very low as well, but you could still win a big cash prize if you’re lucky.[8]

   • Scratchcards are quick and accessible. Most lottery commissions have a number of different games to play. You could get cheap cards or play pricier games with bigger prizes.
   • A typical scratchcard offers 1:5 odds at best, meaning that 1 in every 5 cards is a winner. This could mean winning a prize of $1 USD or a big jackpot. It depends on the game.

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   Check your tickets for alternative ways to win. Everyone has their eyes on the jackpot, but many lottery games offer smaller prizes as well. Read up about the rules of the game. They are typically posted on your ticket or on the lottery’s website. Don’t assume you lost until you have had a chance to double-check your ticket.[9]

   • For example, Powerball offers 9 ways to win. You can win a small prize by picking the number on the red ball. You could also win by picking 3 or more white ball numbers.

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Add New Question

• Question

  If I buy several tickets, should I use the same numbers on all tickets?

  

  No, as you would then only have one chance at winning. Choosing several different groups of numbers would increase your chances.

• Question

  If I elect the 29-payment Power Ball option (not the immediate payout) and I pass away, will the remaining payments go to my heir?

  

  Yes. The first thing before claiming is to retain a lawyer, one specialized in financial law cases and setting up trusts, blind trust, wills, and family estates. Before claiming your ticket you'll also want to find a trustworthy and highly-rated certified financial adviser (CFA) and come up with a plan on how to live on a budget and not go broke like many people who come into big money tend to. Be sure the budget allows enough to be invested in low-risk, interest-bearing options, and be sure to diversify!

• Question

  Can I play Mega Million or Powerball online?

  

  That depends on what state you live in and who you buy the tickets from. You can get them online or through a third party in New York, California, and Georgia.

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• If you win a very large jackpot, consider contacting a lawyer to help you redeem your ticket.[10]

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• Get winning tickets redeemed as soon as possible. The best way to do is by going to a redemption center in person, although many lotteries allow you to mail the ticket through certified, insured mail.[11]

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• Winning the lottery is far from guaranteed no matter how many tickets you buy. It’s a big gamble, so play for fun without the expectation that you’re going to win.

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• Gambling is a serious issue that can lead to significant financial problems. Spend what you can afford, and if you need help, contact an addiction hotline like 1-800-522-4700.

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• Buying a lottery ticket is illegal unless you are an adult. The exact age you need to be depends on your country's laws, but typically you need to be 16 or 18 years old to play.

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Article SummaryX

To increase your chances of winning the lottery, play small lottery games that have fewer numbers to choose from, since they're not as hard to win as big lotteries like the Powerball and Mega Millions. You can also try playing scratch-off lottery tickets, which have better odds than lottery games that involve choosing numbers. If you do decide to play a big lottery game, try organizing a lottery pool with your friends where everyone buys tickets and agrees to split the money if someone wins. That way, you'll have a better chance of winning since you'll have more tickets. For tips on how to strategically choose lottery ticket numbers, keep reading!

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