When it comes to winning the lottery, you need to have a strategy to increase your chances. Learn what numbers and combinations are more or less likely to win. Check out the following for more information on how you can play it smart when playing the lottery.

Determine which game is best

Most states have several lotto games. You can usually find an almost unwinnable lotto game with a large jackpot, and this usually consists of six numbers to choose. Another type often provides fewer number fields, usually five, with smaller jackpots that are easier to win.

Keep in mind that games with a bonus have an additional number field for you to guess. The higher winnings potential is appealing, so you should have your strategy planned out if you want to guess the bonus number.

Powerball and Mega Millions are popular for the prizes that they provide. Winners typically study the potential of their specific numbers to choose the Powerball winning numbers.

How to choose winning numbers

Many people pick the same numbers over and over that have meaning to them personally, but this might not increase your chances of winning. You might think that the same number combination has to win eventually when it is the right time, but that is unlikely.

Experts and past winners suggest that when you study prior winning numbers, it can help you to determine what numbers are more likely to be drawn in the future.

Most popular numbers

Keep in mind that consecutive numbers have never been drawn and are unlikely to win.

Avoid choosing multiples, especially multiples of 7. Plenty of people choose 7, 14, 21, and so on because these numbers are considered lucky. If you did win with those numbers, then you would probably have to share your winnings with many others who used the same lucky numbers.

Numbers 1 to 9 are probably the most popular numbers selected. Numbers 1 to 31 are very common choices since people like to choose their birthday.

Don’t choose pretty patterns. If you fill in the lotto slips to make a zig zag or any other shape, know that this is a popular strategy that can reduce your chances of winning big.

Winning

If you think you won, double-check the date and the numbers on your ticket. Mistakes are sometimes made when the winning numbers are released, so always check multiple sources to see if you won. If you did win, then sign the ticket or it can be cashed in by whoever holds it.

Know the rules for your state, such as the deadline to claim the prize. Understand how much tax will be withheld and other requirements. You will want to know exactly how much you have to spend on exciting things such as an exotic beach vacation or the latest technology.

If you think that you are smart enough to beat the odds, then do your research to figure out what winning combinations to select. Know what numbers are likely to win and what combinations to avoid. Learn what numbers have won in the past and what to do if you win. Hopefully, these tips will bring a windfall of cash your way.