Whether you’ve been playing the lottery since you were a kid or you’ve never set foot in a convenience store, it’s hard to shake that lingering belief that someday you will be lucky enough to win the jackpot. But what if it’s not true? What if there’s no such thing as a lucky number, that your chances are stacked against you even before you pick your numbers?
Until now, many people have played the lottery out of pure FOMO (fear of missing out). But there are other factors that can keep you from winning. Among them:
While some numbers do appear more often than others, this is purely random chance and not due to any “rigging” by the people who run the lottery. For instance, a combination like 1-2-3-4-5-6 is just as likely to be drawn as any other combination. Choosing numbers close together will also reduce your chances of winning, as other players might be using the same strategy.
It’s also important to remember that lottery prizes are split among winners, so your chances of keeping the entire jackpot will depend on how many other people win the same prize as you. That’s why it’s a good idea to play with a group of friends and pool money for tickets. In addition, try to avoid picking numbers with sentimental value or those associated with your birthday, as other players may do the same. The more people who know you’re a lottery winner, the more trouble you could be in. Discretion is your friend, so it’s best to keep the news quiet until you have the proper financial arrangements in place.