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Picking winning numbers

Here's a rundown of popular methods used to pick lottery numbers.

A hand picking numbers on a lottery play slip.
A hand picking numbers on a lottery play slip. Photograph credit to the Illinois Lottery.
Corinna Underwood

When it comes to picking lottery numbers, there's no set rule, and everyone has their preferred strategy.

Some people prefer to play the same numbers every game, some play their lucky numbers, and others find it easier to make a quick pick. While no particular strategy can guarantee a win, it can be fun to try out different ways to choose your numbers. Here's a rundown of some of the most popular strategies used by lottery players.

Check the stats

Studying statistics of previous draws may help you pick your preferred numbers. There's a lot of information to look at, such as number frequency, common combinations, and winning patterns. It's possible that looking at lottery data can help you pick more likely numbers, but remember, there are other people out there studying the stats, too.

Draw on numerology

Numerology is the study of numbers and how they affect your life. It's a lot like astrology but with numbers instead of planets. You can use this system to come up with lottery numbers that are personal to you by calculating your name number. This is done by adding certain numbers that correspond to the letters of your name. You can also calculate your life path number by adding the numbers of your birth date. You can also read your lottery horoscope.

Use your lucky numbers

Everybody has at least one number they consider to be lucky. If you want to come up with personalized lucky numbers for your lottery play, you can use your birthday, anniversary, or other special dates, your house number, your favorite player's number, phone numbers, and numbers that have brought you luck in the past.

Mix up your numbers

Another strategy is to diversify your number choices across different ranges. Instead of solely focusing on single-digit or consecutive numbers, consider picking a combination that spans low, medium, and high digits. This approach helps create a more balanced ticket and avoids the common pitfall of clustering similar numbers together. Also, consider adding odd and even numbers.

Choose frequently picked numbers

Some lottery players prefer to play numbers that have been drawn often in previous games. Take a look at overall number frequencies and also frequent winning numbers. It's best to look at numbers across as large a timeframe as possible so you can get a clearer picture. You can find statistics on Powerball number frequency on the Lottery USA website.

Pick random numbers

If you're still struggling to come up with some lottery numbers, you can always use an online random generator to pick them for you or choose the Quick Pick option at your retail store or on your lottery app. Around 70%-80% of lottery players use the Quick Pick option. Your odds of winning are the same whether you pick your own numbers or have them generated for you.

Tools to help you pick your lottery numbers

Need help with picking numbers for your next lottery game? Here are some free lottery tools to make it easier. All tools are based on past archive results of Powerball and Mega Millions games. To view them, you can create a free account on LotteryUSA.com.

Here, you'll find tools to help you:

  • quick pick numbers
  • check which consecutive numbers have been drawn most often
  • see which numbers have been drawn together
  • find out the frequency of ending numbers
  • examine the patterns of odd and even numbers
  • get a perspective on high and low numbers
  • learn which numbers are drawn most and least frequently
  • check number statistics
  • read data on the sums of numbers drawn
  • check the frequency of higher and lower numbers

Whichever method you choose to pick your numbers, your odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. Your odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302 million. Ultimately, picking lottery numbers involves both luck and strategy. By incorporating these tips into your decision-making process, you can enhance the enjoyment that comes with playing the lottery.

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