Whether you have a numeric method for choosing Powerball numbers or not, there are a few things to consider when playing Powerball.
Part of what makes playing Powerball so fun is the convenience. You can pop into your local authorized retailer, maybe while getting groceries or pumping gas, and buy a Quick Pick ticket. The numbers are randomly generated for you, and within a matter of minutes, you’re officially on your way, hopeful for a chance at a big Powerball win.
But you also have the flexibility to put some thought into the numbers you choose. And Powerball players nationwide have all kinds of strategies for number selection. If you fall into this second camp of Powerball players, where choosing your Powerball numbers is more of a calculated consideration, keep reading. Today, we’ll share some numeric stats and insights worth knowing.
The Odds Are the Same Either Way
It’s important to know that even with precise deliberation about choosing your Powerball numbers, your odds of winning are the same as if you were to go with the automated Quick Pick. And the odds of winning any size Powerball jackpot are also the same. Every time you play, your official odds of winning are one in 292.2 million.
The Frequency of Drawn Numbers Doesn’t Change the Odds
It’s not uncommon to try and choose Powerball numbers based on luck, going with digits that maybe have been drawn more often than others. Or alternatively, players sometimes believe the best numbers to pick are those that have not been frequently chosen. Here are some of the stats on past drawn Powerball numbers:
White Balls: 61, 32, 63, 21, 69, 36, 23, 39, 62, and 59 have all been drawn the most, between 68 and 78 times.
Red Powerballs: 24, 18, 4, 13, 21, 10, 6, 26, and 19 have all been drawn the most, between 32 and 45 times.
Least Common Numbers: Based on the last seven years of Powerball drawings, the least commonly drawn white balls are 26, 34, 13, 46, 4, and 24. The least common Powerball numbers drawn include 23, 12, 7, 15, 16, and 20.
Before you rush out and use these frequently drawn numbers to make your pick, know that your odds won’t change. Because each drawing resets each time, there is no correlation between numbers drawn across various games.
Choosing Based on Memorable Dates Can Limit Your Chances
One of the most popular methods for Powerball players to choose their numbers is by selecting digits that represent memorable dates. Birthdays, anniversaries, and commemorative dates hold personal value, making them ideal for Powerball play.
But it’s important to consider that choosing date-based numbers can actually limit your number selections from one to 31. And should you win, you’ll be more likely to split your jackpot with more people. It’s estimated that winning Powerball based on date-representative numbers can result in a prize split between 20 and 40 other players. If you split your numbers across the full available range and win, you’ll likely only have to split your big win with one or two others.
Of course, these are still speculations. Again, the odds of winning reset each time, making every game a level playing field for everyone who participates, regardless of the numbers they choose.
The Best Way to Increase Your Powerball-Winning Odds
The good news is that no matter how you choose your Powerball numbers, your chances of winning are the same, meaning there’s nothing that decreases your chances of winning. The only way to increase your odds of winning is by playing more than once in each drawing. The more tickets you purchase for a single drawing, the better your chances of winning.
When it comes to deciding what Powerball numbers to play, keep these considerations in mind. Remember that your odds reset with each game. And despite the track record of past numbers, the odds won't change. Now, just get out there and have some fun with it! Grab a Quick Pick or select your own numbers. Maybe you'll be the next jackpot winner!