Luckiest Lottery Numbers for Big Jackpots – Expert Shares How to Really Improve Odds

Many people dream of hitting it big with the lottery, but choosing the right numbers can be a gamble in itself. While many players stick to meaningful dates, such as birthdays or anniversaries, research suggests that some numbers may actually improve your odds of winning. A recent study by Play USA has revealed which lottery numbers are statistically luckier.

The Luckiest Numbers to Play

The study, which analyzed past draws from major lotteries like Powerball, Mega Millions, The Big Game, Hot Lotto, and Lucky for Life, shows certain numbers appear more frequently than others. From the 47 numbers across these games, here’s the breakdown of the luckiest picks.

#39 is the most fortunate number, drawn an average of 209.4 times. It’s notably the most frequent number in Powerball, appearing 347 times, and ranks high in Hot Lotto, with 211 calls.
#28 follows closely as the second luckiest, with a frequency of 200.6. It has been drawn 270 times in Lucky for Life and 331 times in Powerball.
#16 holds the third spot, showing up 207.2 times on average. It was drawn the most in Hot Lotto (228 times) and is also a common number in Powerball, called 211 times.
#32 ranks fourth with an average frequency of 207.2. It’s the second most common in Powerball (340 times) and third in Hot Lotto (222 times).
#15 rounds out the top five, appearing 207 times. It’s frequently drawn in Lucky for Life (262 times) and is the sixth most common in Hot Lotto (211 times).

The Unluckiest Numbers to Avoid

While some numbers seem to attract luck, others just don’t have the same track record. The study found the least frequent numbers across these lotteries, which could be less likely to hit.

#47 is the unluckiest, with an average frequency of just 145.8. It’s the least drawn number in both Powerball and Mega Millions, appearing only 251 and 163 times, respectively.
#46 follows with a frequency of 148.6. It ranks low in Hot Lotto (just 39 appearances) and is the second least common number in Powerball (220 times).
#43, #41, and #44 make up the third, fourth, and fifth unluckiest numbers, respectively, showing fewer appearances than many other options.

Why Certain Numbers Seem Luckier

Alexander Korsager, Chief Gambling Officer at Casino.org, shared insights into why some numbers seem more fortunate than others. He believes it may be linked to player behavior. Many people pick numbers that hold personal significance, like birth dates, which limits their selection to 31 or fewer. This leaves the higher numbers, particularly in the 40s, less frequently chosen. Korsager notes that players also tend to favor numbers in the middle range, leading to less concentration in the upper 40s.

Avoid “Gambler’s Fallacy” and Play Responsibly

While examining historical lottery results might uncover trends, Korsager warns players not to rely too heavily on past draws. He emphasized that each number in a lottery has an equal chance of being selected in every draw, regardless of whether it has been drawn before. This is known as the “gambler’s fallacy”—the belief that previous outcomes influence future results, which can lead to misguided strategies.

He also cautions against becoming obsessed with number selection, encouraging players to treat the lottery as a form of entertainment. The odds are never in your favor, so don’t let the pursuit of a “lucky” number overtake your enjoyment of the game.

Increase Your Odds with a Pool

Korsager did offer one valuable tip for improving your chances: join a lottery pool. When you pool your money with others, you can purchase more tickets and, in turn, increase your odds of winning. However, keep in mind that while your chances improve, you’ll also need to share any winnings with the other participants.

Gambling Responsibly

It’s important to remember that the lottery is a form of entertainment, not a way to secure financial security. Set a budget and stick to it, only gambling with money you can afford to lose. Never chase losses, and avoid gambling when feeling upset or stressed. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, help is available. The National Gambling Helpline can be reached at 1-800-522-4700, or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling for more support.

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Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.