The internet is awash with all sorts of enticing trips and tricks on how to win the lottery.
Many of these claim to be expert strategies. Here’s the thing: they do not work.
In fact, the best advice we can give you is this: if you have to pay money to receive a “winning” strategy, it just doesn’t work. Sure, there are plenty of strategies that people swear by, from lottery frequency strategies to special software that picks out numbers for you.
But, How Do You Know What Does and Doesn’t Work?
Firstly, it’s important to know that it is almost impossible to predict which numbers will be drawn. If any such genuine mathematical system existed, lotteries would cease to exist, since we’d all be rolling in jackpots.
So, let’s take a look at some of the worst lottery strategies you absolutely, definitely have to stay away from.
1. The Quick Pick
The quick pick numbers are just that—quick and easy. The store’s computer chooses your fate. While it may seem like each number has an equal amount of luck, some number sets may well be better than others.
Each time you opt for a quick pick, you get a different set of numbers. That means your odds run the risk of being at their worst in that week’s draw.
2. Special Occasions
If you tend to choose birthday dates and months, like many Powerball players do, you’re consigning yourself to less than half the numbers on the spread—1 to 31.
It’s important to include big numbers. If you pick your own special occasion numbers, you’re splitting that jackpot with, say, 20-40 people. But, spread your numbers out across the track and you’re more likely to be the one and only winner, or split it with maybe just one or two other ticketholders.
3. Switching Things Up
How often do you change your numbers? Every draw? Once a month?
Stop it!
Once you’ve figured out which numbers are goodfor you, don’t switch them. Play them every time you buy a ticket. Obviously, if you buy more than one ticket, use a different set of numbers.
Always remember that it is a set of numbers that’ll win you that major jackpot—not individual digits.
It’s alright to repeat one or two numbers, sure, but make sure each group of numbers is a little different if you want to increase your odds of winning.
If you look at number sets from a purely mathematical perspective, though, every number has the exact same probability of being drawn.
4. Playing as Many Cards as You Can, No Matter What
If you play 100 Powerball cards, you’ll have a better chance than playing just one or two. But never, ever play more than you can afford to lose.
The lottery isn’t a regular investment. However, your budget is—and that should certainly be a major consideration.
For each draw, set a budget and stick to it. Don’t get caught up in lottery fever. Don’t spend this month’s rent. Don’t spend tomorrow’s grocery money. Don’t squander Little Johnny’s college fund.
Figure out what you can comfortably afford to spend.
5. Only Playing the Big Jackpots
When the pot is big, hordes of lottery opportunists queue to buy their tickets (or buy them online in some cases). So, the chances of sharing that prize pool are high.
It just doesn’t make sense to win a big jackpot and then only take home a piece of the pie, does it?
Yes, you can wait to play when the jackpot’s at its highest to try and make the most out of your ticket, but there’s not even a guarantee that the prize will go up the next draw.
The point we’re making here: waiting is pointless.
If you have the budget to buy tickets, go out and play. And play responsibly.
You don’t have to play every draw, you don’t have to skip your daughter’s date of birth, and you can switch numbers now and then, just make sure you play with a budget you can comfortably afford to lose. That should be your one and only strategy.