One thing to note: Although you might be inclined to pick lucky numbers that coincide with birthdays and anniversaries, the first five numbers in play reach as high as 70, which means those who pick only low numbers could have slighter odds of winning.Īs for the numbers that have historically hit the most? Since 2010, that honor goes to the number 2, with 92 hits, followed by the numbers 20, 11, 31, and 17. When in doubt, ask the cashier for help - there’s a good chance they know the drill. (If you’re picking numbers for several tickets and only want the multiplier option for certain ones, you will have to fill out separate sheets.) One thing to note: Filling in this bubble means all the games you have filled out on that sheet will then have this multiplier option, which costs $1 extra per play, or $3 extra total if you’re playing three games per sheet. If you want to choose the megaplier option, which pays out more for a winning ticket (as outlined in the game’s rules above), fill in the “Yes” box located all the way to the right of the ticket under the “Megaplier” header. Then, fill in the bubbles for the five numbers you want within one box underneath the header that says “Pick 5.” Then fill in the bubble for one number for the mega ball under the header “Pick 1 Mega Ball.” You also need to fill out the bubbles in pencil or blue or black ink. To fill out the sheet, ask the cashier where they are located if you can’t find them (they should say “Mega Millions” pretty clearly at the top), and then grab whatever writing utensil is nearby (most stores will have some floating around, or will provide them when asked). In Massachusetts, you can play three times, or tickets, per sheet. and almost instantly gave up.Ī pair of Mega Millions lottery sheets. A certain intrepid reporter tried to pick her own numbers. I want to pick my own numbers, but this sheet is wicked confusing.
Massachusetts stores that sell a winning jackpot ticket receive a $50,000 bonus - not to mention free media attention - so there’s a good chance they want you to purchase that ticket in-house rather than taking your business elsewhere. However, in general, there’s no shame in letting the store clerk know that you’re new to the process. This is the fastest option if you’re in a time crunch or don’t feel particularly sentimental about picking your own numbers. This means the numbers on your ticket are randomly assigned. If you just want an automated ticket without choosing the numbers yourself, ask the clerk for an “easy pick” ticket. Grab one, fill it out (more on that below), and bring it up to checkout. If you want to pick your own numbers, most stores will have sheets with the lottery game’s name at the top. How do I ask to buy a Mega Millions ticket without sounding like I don’t know what I’m doing? In fact, when compared to hand-picking the numbers, experts say that a player’s chances are still 50-50.One Mega Millions ticket costs $2 to play adding on the $1 megaplier option raises the price of one ticket to $3. Various lottery officials across the country told NBC News that there is no proof that a computer-generated combination, known as a Quick or Easy Pick, would give you a better chance of winning the lottery. However, frequently appearing numbers do not mean that the self-selection method increases your odds of winning. The number 6 was selected 34 times in a total of 324 draws during that three-year time frame. The number 6 appears among the top 10 main ball pool numbers, the five numbers preceding the final Mega Ball number on a ticket, for the Mega Millions lottery from 2002 to 2005. “I only play that if it’s a big amount,” Peterson said.ĭepending on the year, Peterson could have seen better odds of having one of her numbers winning the jackpot, according to data from Mega Millions.
Standing in front of an electronic sign displaying the current Mega Millions amount, Peterson said she has one $10 dollar ticket at home full of six-number combinations representing favorite numbers, anniversaries and her mother’s birthday.