For those who love the lottery, the fun of the game can lead to passionate discussions about the best time to get that potentially lucky lottery ticket. Some people are inspired by a specific time, like 7 PM on 7/7 or 2:22 PM on 2/22/22, for example. Others might play their fortune cookie numbers after a dinner out or on the way home from work.
So, when is the luckiest time to order a lottery ticket? Is there a better day of the week or time of day that increases the probability of winning? In short, no. Because the lottery is a game of chance, every ticket has an equal opportunity to win.
So, why do people focus on the best time of day to order lottery tickets? Let’s take a closer look at the truth behind the lottery myth behind the best time to order lottery tickets.
Understand the lottery drawing schedule
Each lottery game has its own drawing schedule and cut-off time.
The cut-off time is the last possible minute to grab tickets for your lottery game before the drawing. The cut-off times for lottery tickets vary by state, but are usually 1 or 2 hours ahead of the lottery drawing. The best time to order lottery tickets is definitely well before the cut-off time.
It’s always a good idea to plan ahead and ensure you can get your ticket on time. If you order your lottery tickets online, check cut-off times there, too. They may be a little earlier than the cut-off time in-person, at a lottery retailer. As a digital lottery courier, this cut-off time ensures we at Jackpocket have plenty of time to fulfill your ticket order in time for the drawing.
Understanding lottery mechanics
Random chance is the essence of the lottery. Each ticket has an equal chance of success. Let's unravel what makes the lottery a game of chance.
Numerical odds
Winning the lottery is based on the number of possible numerical combinations. Each lottery game has a finite number of possible outcomes based on how many numbers the game uses. The more numbers used, the more possible combinations and the higher the odds of winning. A good example is the fact that there are 292,201,338 possible number combinations for Powerball. That’s a lot of combinations!
Randomness of draws
Lotteries use machines for their drawings, which is an essential part of understanding how lottery drawings work. These machines are filled with lottery balls for all available numbers and randomly spit out numbers from the bouncing balls using "mechanical" or "gravity pick" methods, depending on the type of machine. Each draw is an independent event, completely unaffected by previous outcomes. This is why it’s impossible to predict what numbers will be drawn in each game.
Distinction between strategy and chance
This is where figuring out the best time to order lottery tickets gets really interesting. While the mechanics of the lottery are rooted in chance, many believe some strategies can tip the odds in their favor. This is why they play the lucky numbers in their fortune cookie or use birthdays and anniversaries as their lucky numbers. Do what's fun for you while still understanding that lottery outcomes are up to random chance, and that includes the best time to order lottery tickets.
Factors that influence the perception of "Lucky Times"
Everyone has their own ideas about the luckiest time to get their lottery tickets. They can be based on one's cultural background. For example, during the Chinese Lunar New Year, some users choose their lucky numbers based on their Chinese horoscope.
Other players prefer to use an astrological chart to decide the best time to order lottery tickets, and some avoid getting tickets on the 13th of the month or never play a specific number, believing it's unlucky. These ideas give us a sense of control over the lottery’s uncertainties, helping us feel more confident in the numbers we choose.
The "luckiest" time to get a lottery ticket could be whenever it feels right. With Jackpocket, the best time to order lottery tickets is whenever it’s convenient for you. If you’re in one of the jurisdictions where Jackpocket is available, there’s no need to wait.
Participate in the lottery with thousands of Jackpocket users in your state—friends and strangers, alike.
"Hot" and "cold" numbers
Some believe that the best time to order a lottery ticket doesn’t involve time at all but rather numbers that are considered “hot” and “cold.”
“Hot” numbers have appeared more frequently in past draws. “Cold” numbers are the opposite. While it's true that in recent draws, some numbers appear more frequently than others, there are over 292 million possible combinations in Powerball, and all numbers have an equal probability of being selected, so those seemingly hot numbers will cool eventually. So don’t let numbers influence your best time to order a lottery ticket.
Does timing your lottery order make a difference?
Many people believe that a specific time or day of the week can significantly impact their chances of winning a prize. To be clear: there is no timing strategy that will increase your odds of winning a lottery prize. But getting your ticket well in advance of the drawing can add to the excitement of the game for lottery lovers as anticipation builds. Getting a ticket close to the draw time shortens the anticipation time but could result in long lines at the store if the grand prize has grown considerably.
When it’s time to order your lottery ticket
Take advantage of lottery apps such as Jackpocket to track grand prize amounts and draw times. On Jackpocket, you can pick your own numbers or Quick Pick with random numbers. Feeling adventurous? Try features like Super Pick.
While there are many theories around the possible best time to order lottery tickets, the best strategy is to remember that win or lose playing the lottery should be fun and not put pressure on your wallet. Ultimately, the lottery is meant to be a fun pastime. Set your lottery budget and stick to it. You’ll get more enjoyment out of the lottery if you do!
Ready to play? Get the app and order your lottery tickets with Jackpocket!
