Lotto & Luck
Analyze lottery odds, payout structures, tax implications, and the real probability of winning.
Lottery Odds Explained: The Real Math Behind Jackpots
A mathematical analysis of lottery odds and what they really mean for your chances of winning.
Powerball Odds Explained: What Are You Really Paying For?
A mathematical breakdown of every Powerball prize tier, the true expected value of a ticket, and what the jackpot needs to reach for it to be 'worth it.'
Lump Sum vs. Annuity: A Financial Analysis
Should you take the lump sum or annuity if you win the lottery? A data-driven analysis.
The Gambler's Fallacy: Why 'Due' Numbers Don't Exist
The most expensive cognitive bias in gambling — and how to stop falling for it.
Scratch-Off Tickets: How to Find the Best Odds in Your State
Not all scratch-off tickets are created equal. Here's how to find the ones with the best remaining odds.
Lottery Pools and Syndicates: How to Play Smarter Together
Pooling money with others gives you more chances to win — but you need to do it right to avoid legal headaches.
Number Selection Strategies: Do They Actually Work?
Hot numbers, cold numbers, frequency analysis, and quick picks — which lottery number selection method gives you the best chance?
Mega Millions Odds Explained: Every Prize Tier Breakdown
Dreaming of winning Mega Millions? This article breaks down the odds of winning for each prize tier, explaining your real chances of hitting the jackpot and how the Megaplier can boost your winnings.
State Lottery Comparison: Which Games Have the Best Odds
With a dizzying array of lottery games available, how do you choose which game to play? This article will guide you through the complex world of lottery odds, providing a state-by-state comparison of popular games and offering practical advice to help you play smarter.
Keno Strategy: Understanding the House Edge
Dive into the world of Keno and learn how understanding the house edge can improve your gameplay. This comprehensive guide covers rules, strategies, and bankroll management to help you play smarter.
Daily Fantasy Lottery: Pick 3 and Pick 4 Strategies
Unlock the secrets to Pick 3 and Pick 4 lottery games. This guide explores popular strategies like using hot/cold numbers, frequency analysis, and rundowns to help you make more informed choices. Learn to play smarter, not just harder, while always remembering the importance of responsible gaming.
Lottery Tax Guide: What You Actually Keep After Winning
Winning the lottery is a dream come true, but the taxman will want a piece of the pie. This guide breaks down the complex world of federal, state, and local taxes on lottery winnings, helping you understand what you'll actually keep.
Second Chance Drawings: Free Shots at Big Prizes
Don't throw away your non-winning lottery tickets! Second Chance Drawings give you another opportunity to win big without spending an extra dime. Learn how to turn your losing tickets into free shots at huge prizes.
How Lottery Wheeling Systems Work
Lottery wheeling systems are a strategic way to play the lottery that can increase your chances of winning smaller prizes and provide a more consistent return on your investment. This article will explain how they work, the different types of wheeling systems, and the pros and cons of using them.
EuroMillions vs Powerball: Which Has Better Odds
When it comes to massive lottery jackpots, EuroMillions and Powerball are two of the biggest names in the game. But which one gives you a better chance of winning? This article breaks down the odds of each, so you can make a more informed decision on where to try your luck.
The History of Lotteries: From Ancient Rome to Modern Jackpots
Lotteries have a surprisingly long and fascinating history, stretching back to ancient civilizations and playing a significant role in the development of nations. This article traces the evolution of the lottery, from its earliest forms to the billion-dollar jackpots of today.
How to Claim a Lottery Prize: A General Guide
You've won the lottery! Congratulations! Now what? Claiming your prize can be a complex process, and it varies from state to state. This guide will walk you through the general steps you'll need to take to claim your winnings.
Lottery Annuity Calculator: Planning Your Payout
You've won the lottery! Now for the big decision: lump sum or annuity? This article explains how a lottery annuity works and how a calculator can help you understand your payout options and plan for your financial future.
Multi-State Lottery Games Compared
A deep dive into the mathematical odds, prize structures, and expected value of major multi-state lottery games like Powerball and Mega Millions, helping you make informed decisions.
The Biggest Lottery Winners: What Happened to Them
A look into the lives of some of the biggest lottery winners in history, exploring both the triumphant and tragic stories that followed their life-changing windfalls.
Quick Pick vs Self-Selected Numbers: What the Data Shows
An analysis of whether you have a better chance of winning the lottery with quick pick or by choosing your own numbers, exploring the statistics and the psychology behind number selection.
How to Start a Lottery Pool at Work
A step-by-step guide to starting a lottery pool in your workplace, including how to establish rules, manage the money, and avoid common pitfalls.
Instant Win Games: Odds and Strategy Guide
A comprehensive guide to instant win games, including scratch-offs, explaining how they work, the odds of winning, and strategies to maximize your chances of success.
International Lotteries You Can Play Online
Explore the world of international lotteries and discover how you can participate in the biggest jackpots from the comfort of your home. Learn about the legalities, risks, and best practices for playing lotteries online.
Lottery Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them
Learn to identify and protect yourself from common lottery scams. This guide covers the warning signs of fraudulent schemes and provides actionable steps to keep your money safe.
The Psychology of Why We Play the Lottery
Delve into the psychological drivers that make the lottery so appealing, from cognitive biases like the availability heuristic to the simple allure of a life-changing jackpot. Understand the mental game behind the numbers.
Charitable Lotteries and Raffles: Better Odds for Good Causes
Discover the world of charitable lotteries and raffles, where your participation supports a good cause and your odds of winning are often significantly better than in traditional lotteries. Learn how they work and what to look for.
How State Lotteries Use Revenue: Where Your Money Goes
Ever wonder what happens to the money you spend on lottery tickets? This article breaks down how state lotteries allocate their revenue, from prize payouts to funding for public education, senior services, and other vital programs.
Fantasy 5 and Daily Games: Small Jackpots Better Odds
While the jackpots are more modest, your chances of winning smaller, daily lottery games like Fantasy 5 are dramatically better than winning large jackpot games.
Lottery Number Analysis: Hot Cold and Overdue Numbers
Is there any statistical validity to the analysis of 'hot,' 'cold,' and 'overdue' lottery numbers, or is it just another form of the gambler's fallacy?
The Expected Value of Every Major US Lottery Game
We can calculate the 'expected value' of a lottery ticket to determine whether it's a worthwhile investment. Let's delve into the numbers and find out.
How Rollover Jackpots Change the Math
When a lottery jackpot isn't won, the prize money is 'rolled over' to the next drawing, creating a larger and larger prize pool. This can, in some rare cases, push the expected value of a ticket into positive territory.
Lottery Trusts and LLCs: Protecting Your Identity After Winning
To protect your privacy and your newfound wealth, it's essential to have a plan in place before you claim your prize. One of the most effective ways to do this is by setting up a lottery trust or a limited liability company (LLC).
Mega Millions Strategy: Megaplier Worth It or Not
A deep dive into the Mega Millions Megaplier, analyzing the odds and potential payouts to determine if the extra dollar is a smart bet.
Pick 3 and Pick 4 Box and Straight Strategies
Explore the differences between box and straight bets in Pick 3 and Pick 4 games, and learn how to use them to your advantage.
How Lottery Odds Change with Number Pool Size
Understand the mathematical relationship between the size of the number pool in a lottery and your odds of winning.