Winning the lottery feels like a dream for many people. With jackpot stories making headlines, it’s tempting to think you could be next. But is there a way to actually improve your lottery experience—or even your odds? In an exclusive chat with The U.S. Sun, mathematics professor Tim Chartier shared simple strategies to help players enjoy the lottery while being smart about it. Let’s dive into how you can make your lotto plays smarter and more fun.
Lottery Wins That Made History
Winning massive lottery prizes may seem impossible, but it does happen. In 2022, Edwin Castro made headlines by winning a $2.04 billion Powerball prize—the largest in U.S. history. Theodorus Struyck followed in 2023 with a $1.765 billion Powerball win. More recently, Rosemary Casarotti won $1.2 billion playing Mega Millions.
While the chances are slim, people do win, proving that dreams can come true for a lucky few.
Money Moves: How Much Americans Spend on the Lottery
The lottery is the most popular form of gambling in the U.S., with millions participating every year. Sales have grown steadily, reaching about $105.26 billion in 2024, and are expected to climb to $194.14 billion by 2025. Even though many people only spend a few dollars at a time, it adds up quickly—and so can the disappointment when they don’t win.
That’s why it’s important to approach the lottery wisely.
A Simple Strategy for Winning Every Time
Tim Chartier shared a very important piece of advice: focus on why you are playing. His easy nine-word rule is something all players should remember:
“Make a budget, stick to it, and have fun!”
Chartier explains that if you treat the lottery as entertainment, you’re winning already. Whether you win money or not, you get the fun and excitement of dreaming big.
Lucky Numbers: Truth vs. Myth
Many players like to pick numbers that have personal meaning, such as birthdays or anniversaries. Chartier encourages players to do what makes them feel happy, saying:
“A number is lucky if you have fun playing it and it improves your experience of winning.”
However, from a mathematics point of view, all numbers have an equal chance of being drawn. No number is actually luckier than another.
If you want a slight edge, you might want to avoid common numbers like birth dates, because if you win with popular numbers, you could end up sharing the jackpot with others.
Should You Pick Random Numbers?
Choosing random numbers can slightly improve your chances of keeping the full prize to yourself, because fewer people pick random numbers compared to birthdays and anniversaries.
However, many big winners have stuck with their personal lucky numbers and still won huge prizes. For example, a Maryland woman recently won nearly $100,000 by playing her husband’s “lucky” numbers.
In the end, picking numbers that make you feel good can be just as rewarding as trying to strategize.
Responsible Gambling: Always Play Smart
It’s important to always gamble responsibly. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, a responsible gambler:
- Sets limits on money and time before playing
- Only plays with money they can afford to lose
- Never tries to chase losses
- Doesn’t gamble when upset, angry, or sad
For help, visit National Council on Problem Gambling or BeGambleAware.
If you need immediate help, you can call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Other Tips for Smart Lottery Play
Earlier, Chartier also shared a “rolldown” trick where knowing the right timing to play can improve your chances. Other experts have also pointed out that your chances of becoming a billionaire might be higher depending on where you live in the U.S.
Even though winning the lottery is a long shot, having a smart, fun approach makes every ticket you buy a lot more enjoyable.
Winning the lottery is rare, but enjoying the game is within your control. Following simple strategies like setting a budget, picking numbers that make you happy, and playing responsibly ensures you get the most out of the experience. Whether or not you hit the jackpot, you’ll always come out ahead if you play smart and have fun.