There are no special tricks to playing the lottery, but you can increase your odds at winning with some strategic playing. Below are some of the best tips to playing the lottery:
1) Don't stop with birthdays or anniversaries.
Most people pick these dates, but the truth is you're only limiting yourself to the numbers 1 to 31 along with other lottery players. You could end up winning the pot, but you're likely to share it with 30 other people who also picked birthdays and anniversaries as their combinations. You'll have better odds if you include bigger numbers in your choices and use the entire board on the cards.
2) Skip the "Quick-Pick" and pick your own numbers.
While it's easier to have lottery store computers generate the numbers, remember that these operate in number sets that do not offer the best combinations. It could reduce your odds at winning.
3) Be consistent when playing.
"Never miss a drawing in the game you're playing. Every Saturday, every Wednesday, every week," said Richard Lustig via Forbes. Lustig wrote the book "Learn How To Increase Your Chances of Winning the Lottery" and won the lottery grand prize seven times.
4) Do your research about numbers and trust your instinct.
If you've picked a set of numbers, stick with them and use them each time you play. Consider these your lucky numbers. If you're playing more than one card, you can repeat the numbers, but make sure that the combinations do not decrease your odds. Lustig shares specific methods in his book on finding the best set of numbers you can be comfortable playing.
"It doesn't matter how you pick your numbers, once you pick your set of numbers, research them to know if it's a good set of numbers and stick with them," said Ludwig via CBS News. "There's no magic method to picking your numbers, I get emails every day asking. One number doesn't win the jackpot, a set of numbers does."
5) Have a budget when playing.
Use your disposable income and not your grocery money or utility bill payment. If you've set up a weekly budget, you can motivate yourself to play more consistently.
6) Pool resources with friends.
If you have a group you can trust to play the lottery with and they are willing to contribute to buying tickets, you can increase your chances of winning the jackpot. Many large jackpots have been won by groups who have bought lottery tickets in bulk, according to MSN.
7) Manage your expectations.
You should know and understand what the odds are. Don't go overboard with lottery fever because the jackpot is currently high. You're likely to spend more than you should, but your odds at winning remains the same, according to ABC News.
