Five Myths About Lotto Results And How To Improve Your Odds Of Winning

We know that lotto results are drawn at random. But our common sense tells us there is something more going on. This article explores some of the myths around lotto draws and how you can use this knowledge in your own lotto selections.

1. Every Lotto Number Has An Equal Chance Of Being Drawn

Numbers are drawn at random, so every number has an equal chance in the draw. But in the real world we know things are a little different. As an example, a sequential series like 1,2,3,4,5,6 is possible in a lotto draw but it probably hasn't happened anywhere in the history of lotto.

In lotto, every number will be drawn, given enough time. But our common sense tells us unlikely scenarios such as repeated numbers probably won't occur in the near future.

2. The Lucky Dip Is The Best Way To Pick Lotto Numbers

Some people believe that a "lucky dip" gives the best chance of winning. Because a lucky dip is purely random, this would be consistent with lotto draws generally. Unfortunately this strategy doesn't take into account the numbers may bring up an unusual number series, which reduces your chances of winning.

For example, the dip might pick the numbers 2,4,6,8,10,12. This would be an extremely unlikely to occur in the lotto draw.

The one time a lucky dip might be a good idea is when you're not able to consistently buy tickets; imagine having regular numbers Lotto Payouts  and then forgetting to buy them and the numbers come up!

3. Numbers Based Around Birthdays Or Special Numbers Are Not A Good Idea

Some people base their selections around their birthdays or other special numbers. The problem with this strategy is the numbers may include unlikely combinations. For example if the birthday was 22 February 1976 possible numbers might include the following:

1,2,6,7,9,19

The high rate of low numbers in the selection gives it a low probability of winning. If birthdays are to be used, a better idea might be to use combinations that give a better spread.

The numbers below are using the birthday but adding various numbers to get a better spread; 32 is calculated by adding 22 + 1 + 9.

2,12,19,23,26,32

4. Wait Until The Lotto Jackpot Is Approaching Maximum To Get The Best Result

The idea here is that if you are going to get lucky, then make it worthwhile. The flaw with this strategy is that because more people are playing, your odds are reduced.

Remember Babe Ruth? He hit the most home runs, but had the most strike outs. If you want to emulate Babe, then you'd need to put more money into a jackpot draw; never a good idea. Far better to mimic the fly ball specialist who consistently gets bat on ball and reduces his chances of being struck out.

5. Unusual Lotto Numbers Give The Best Chance For A Big Payout

Certainly, if you have an unlikely number series that reduces the chances of sharing the big prize. But, as with the jackpot scenario, it also lessens your chances of winning in the first place.

We've all read about people winning the big one, only to have to share the prize with dozens of others. But are we really going to be disappointed if we win $80,000 instead of $1,000,000 considering the odds in the first place?

Summary

Although lotto results are completely at random, that doesn't mean there is no way to increase your chances of winning. This article has looked at some of the myths in playing lotto and explored the truth behind some commonly held perceptions.