Lottery is a game of chance. And some games have better odds than others. We’ve outlined some ways to think about choosing games and numbers that could help boost your luck.
1. Play the right games
Powerball and Mega Millions are the most-played lottery games nationwide. Not only are these games extremely popular, but they also have a wider number pool to choose from compared to state and local lottery games. If you are lucky enough to match all 6 numbers and win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot, there could be other winners as well, meaning you would have to split the jackpot with the other winners.
Want better lotto odds? Daily games, such as Pick-3 or Pick-4 games that are only offered to state residents are where you have a better chance winning even though the payouts are smaller.
On a similar note, don’t count out scratch-offs! With scratch-offs you have a 60% higher chance to recoup what you spent on the ticket! Scratch-off prizes are typically smaller, but the chances of winning a prize are higher. (Did you know you can order scratch-off tickets on Jackpocket in some states?)
Don't count out scratch-offs. You have a 60% higher chance to recoup what you spend on the ticket!
2. Use lottery pools
One of the key ways to increase your chances of winning a jackpot is to buy more tickets—but we all know how pricey that can get. That’s where a lottery pool comes in. Gather a group of friends, colleagues or family members and pool your tickets together. Everyone in the group buys a ticket, and if one person has the winning numbers then everyone shares the prize.
Depending on which state you're located in, you have a few different lottery pool options on the Jackpocket app. You can start your own lottery pool or join our public lottery pools with thousands of other Jackpocket players.
3. Don’t use your birthday to pick your numbers
A common strategy for choosing lottery numbers is to choose digits based off of a birthday or anniversary. But by doing so, you are limiting your lottery numbers to 1 through 31, based on the calendar. Mega Millions, for example, draws numbers from a much wider pool—from 1 to 70.
Instead, don’t limit yourself to just the numbers on the calendar. If a number over 31 turns out to be the winning pick, the likelihood that someone has the same number combination as you decreases—and so does the possibility of having to split the jackpot.
4. Pick a combination of numbers, and stick to it
Seven-time lottery winner Richard Lustig suggests using the same combination of numbers every time you play. According to Lustig, it is nearly impossible for the same winning numbers to ever be drawn again. By this logic, buying the same numbers the odds of winning the next game increase. (Psst - our Autoplay feature is an easy way to play your lucky numbers on repeat).
5. Always remember to check the lottery drawings
An easy way to not win the lottery is to forget to check the lottery results! A whopping $2 billion in lottery winnings are left on the table every year, because players forget to check results or don't realize they've won. The state lottery doesn't track down MIA winners, but the Jackpocket app lets you know automatically! We even send winnings under ~$600 (depending on your state) straight to your account.
An easy way to win the lottery is to forget to check the lottery results!
6. Beware of lottery scams
We’ve all received those random robo-calls informing us we have just won one million dollars (!). Scammers are typically easy to detect—but anyone can be fooled! Always be sure to purchase a lottery ticket from an authorized lottery retailer. When you place your order using Jackpocket, our team fulfills your order by securing lottery tickets on your behalf from a licensed retailer in your state. We send a high resolution scan of your paper ticket — front and back — for you to view in the app. Plus, for each order, you receive an email with your ticket serial number as assurance that your ticket was purchased.
There you have it, folks. Now get out there and win some money!
