We all dream about winning a massive Powerball jackpot. But we all know we’ve got be in it to win it.
So, this week, we thought that we would compile a few expert tips to help you pick your numbers.
While not every player can be a winner, the fact is, if you don’t try, you definitely won’t be.
Number-Picking Advice from One Very Lucky Winner
One lucky person, Richard Lustig, has won the lottery not once, but seven times. He’s even written a book about his trial and error process of learning how to pick his numbers.
Here are some of Richard’s favourite number-picking tips.
1. Ditch the Quick Pick
The quick pick option works in number sets. That actually means that not every number has the same amount of luck as you would think. In fact, each time you buy a Quick Pick, you get a different cluster of numbers and your odds, therefore, can potentially be at their worst each time.
2. Your Instincts Are Always Right
In his book, Richard Lustig outlines a specific way to find the numbers that you feel the most comfortable with. However, once you pick the group of numbers you do think will work for you, it’s important to stick with your choice.
Always remember that it is a set of numbers that will win you the Powerball grand prize, not single numbers on their own.
If you decide to play multiple lottery cards, try to vary your number groups slightly in an effort to maximize your odds.
3. Be Sure to Use the Whole Board
How often have you used your anniversary or your kid’s date of birth to fill out a card?
At some point, we’ve probably all used numbers of meaning in the hope of a significant and serendipitous win. While your beloved family members may well bring you incalculable joy, using their significant dates in the attempt to hit the jackpot means you’re going to end up having to share the prize with several other people.
Rather than playing numbers 1-31, suggests Richard, use all the numbers that are available to you. Spreading the numbers out across the entire track gives you a somewhat better chance of either being the sole winner of a jackpot or at least splitting it with just one or two other players.
4. Keep Things Constant
This is an easy tip. If you want to win a game, keep up with past and future drawings to help you get the hang of it.
5. Picking Your Own Numbers
If you are a regular lottery player, Lustig recommends picking your own numbers and sticking to your combination each and every time you play.
6. Stay Grounded
While winning hundreds of millions of dollars obviously grants you and your nearest and dearest financial security, never spend money you can’t afford in the hopes of a massive windfall. If you’re only able to buy one ticket, that’s all right.
It’s important to set a budget of what you can realistically spend on lottery tickets. Try not to get caught up in “lottery fever.”
Spend what you can afford and not a dollar more.
Are Some Numbers Luckier Than Other Numbers?
If you go with this lucky winner’s advice and do pick your own numbers, you might want to include a combination of 8, 13, 14, 39 and 54. That’s because ABC News’s analysis of past US Powerball winners concluded that these are the most frequently drawn numbers.
What Are the Odds of Winning the Lottery?
Sadly, studies and statistics show that the odds of winning Powerball are not likely to be in your favour. In fact, ticket holders have a just 1-in-292,201,338 shot of hitting the grand jackpot. The good news is that the odds of winning a seven-figure payout are actually a little better at 1 in 11,688,053.
Ready to Play?
Once you’ve picked your numbers, stuck to them and listened to your gut instinct, it’s time to cross your fingers, get out the old lucky rabbit's foot and hope that this may just be the week you hit it big.