The Mega Millions multi-state lottery gives you a chance to win millions of dollars a couple times a week. If you want to boost your chance of winning, read on. We have some great tips that include:
- What numbers are most likely to be drawn
- What numbers NOT to choose
- How many tickets you should buy
Of course, that enormous prize comes with incredibly tiny odds. But, let’s face it. Life is expensive and it is not getting any cheaper. Whether you are single, in a relationship, have kids or not, you hate to throw money out the window. But seeing it come in that window is oh, so nice. The information below is data shared by both Powerball-MegaMillions and Mega Millions.
What Is Mega-Millions Lottery?
- Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery available to play in 45 US states, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands.
- To play, you choose 5 numbers between 1 and 70, plus a Mega Ball which only goes up to 25.
- Mega Ball is drawn two times per week, Tuesdays and Fridays at 11pm Eastern Time.
What Is the Megaplier?
The Megaplier is a way for your to increase your winnings by a certain percent. Before each drawing, a Megaplier ball is drawn. If your numbers don’t hit the jackpot but do match enough to win you some money, and you’ve upped the ante by buying the Megaplier, your winnings will increase 2, 3, 4, or 5 times what they would be if you didn’t buck up for the Megaplier.
What are My Odds?
The odds of winning any Mega Millions Lottery prize are 1 in 24.
What If I Die Before I Get My Winnings?
I always thought you were just out of luck, but according to Mega Millions, the 29-year annuity will continue to be paid to your estate until it is completely paid off.
Here’s more about how to win the Mega-Millions Lottery:
How It Works
The Mega Millions winner is chosen by randomly selecting five white balls with numbers from one to 70 and a “Mega Ball” with numbers from one to 25.
How To Choose The Right Numbers
A lot of people use their lucky numbers or a date they like when playing, but you may want to be more strategic. According to U.S.A Mega, the five numbers that have come up most in Mega Millions drawings over the last seven years are 14 (drawn 52 times), 17 (51 times), 10 and 31 and 38 (all drawn 38 times).
Most Common Mega Ball
The most common Mega Ball was 22 (drawn 32 times), followed by 11 (28 times), 9 (26 times), and 10 and 18 and 24 (all drawn 36 times).
Least Common Numbers
The least commonly drawn numbers are 49 and 57 (both drawn 25 times) and the least common Mega Ball is 8 (drawn 16 times).
But I Don't Want To Share!
Don’t forget that if other people pick the same numbers as you, you’ll have to share that jackpot. People are more likely to pick a “lucky” number like seven, or a number between one and 31 to represent a birthday. Avoiding those numbers does give you a very slightly improved chance of scoring the prize alone, so statistically speaking, it’s better to go with uncommon numbers.
Boost Your Odds!
The best way to increase your odds of winning is to buy more tickets. If you have a one in 300-million chance of winning, buying a second ticket doubles those odds to two in 300-million. But remember, that even if you spend a million dollars buying Mega Millions tickets, the odds would still be strongly against you.
