Out of all the Powerball winners over the years, how many of them actually chose their own numbers?
Powerball is quick, fun, and easy. That's part of the allure behind why so many Americans play for every drawing. But sometimes, you start to wonder about how you choose your numbers to play. Is there a trick to selecting Powerball numbers that presents any real advantages?
You might feel connected to certain numbers that you want to play that have sentimental value or more meaning to you, for example. But you’re also playing Powerball because you want a chance to win the jackpot. So, should you play those sentimental digits or go for the Quick Pick in which the numbers are randomly selected for you by the computer? How many Powerball jackpot winners actually chose their own numbers?
Understanding the Powerball Odds First
Remember, no matter what trends you spot in past winning numbers, the odds reset and remain unchanged for every game. The official odds of matching all six drawn numbers to win the running Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338. No matter if you choose your own numbers or rely on the computer to do it for you, those odds won’t change. In the end, you’re not putting yourself at any advantage or disadvantage by selecting your own numbers for Powerball. The only way to really increase your chances of winning a jackpot prize or any prize amount is by playing more and buying more tickets per drawing. Aside from that, how you choose your numbers is entirely up to you.
Reasons for Picking Your Own Numbers
Aside from the odds, there are plenty of reasons a player might choose his or her own numbers to play. Some people just prefer to have control over the numbers they’re buying rather than relying on a computer to generate the digits for them. And, of course, there’s the sentimental element to choosing an anniversary or birthday to make a few of those digits symbolic to you personally.
Self-pick players might also feel better about being able to choose numbers that feel “lucky” to them. And you can deliberately avoid picking some of those most commonly-played numbers, too, should you be so inclined. When you choose your own numbers, you can also guarantee that you won’t be playing duplicate numbers across multiple tickets.
Reasons to Quick Pick, Instead
Since the odds aren’t affected by how you pick your Powerball numbers, don’t be afraid to buy the occasional Quick Pick. The most obvious advantage in playing this way is efficiency – it’s quick. You can get your Powerball ticket when you’re in a hurry, without careful consideration of the numbers to choose. So, when you don’t have time to properly choose numbers based on your preferences, you can always opt for the Quick Pick without any significant disadvantages.
Does Picking Your Own Numbers Impact Wins?
Ok, but of all the past Powerball winners, how many of them selected their own numbers? Even though the analytics of the past have no bearing on future projections, you might still want to know the stats. In the end, those who play Quick Pick have won the most jackpot prizes, about 70% of all winners.
In the end, it really just comes down to your personal gameplay preferences. If you’re in a hurry, rushing through the store to grab a gallon of milk or loaf of bread, buy Quick Pick. If you want to be deliberate about the numbers you choose, take your time and make each digit count. Your odds of winning won’t be affected regardless of how you make your selection. But you’ll always increase your chances of winning Powerball when you play Powerball. So, get out there!