Lottery enthusiasts are always looking for new strategies to boost their odds of winning. Questions abound regarding the timing of ticket purchases. Is it better to buy tickets on a certain time of day, day of the week, or month of the year?
There is no best time to buy a lottery ticket. In lottery games, the numbers are drawn at random during each event. The month, day, or time of purchase does not influence the likelihood of winning. Each number combination has the exact same probability of being drawn during each separate drawing.
Lottery experts agree the odds of winning the lottery remain the same regardless of when you buy your ticket. However, there have been unique instances where lottery players have successfully used timing strategies to win large sums of money.
In this article, I’ll reveal a couple whose money-winning timing strategies transformed them into superstar lottery players, racking up $26 million in winnings. Then we’ll move onto the five crucial signs you need to know that signal “your time is up” when playing the lottery.
Do you prefer watching videos to reading articles? Then you’ll want to watch our YouTube video that answers the question “Do Timing Strategies Help You Win the Lottery?”
Lottery timing facts vs fiction
Some people believe that buying a ticket when a lottery jackpot is high increases their chances of winning, but this is not true. The expected return on a lottery ticket increases as the jackpot grows, but the odds of winning remain the same.
Lottery games are designed to be random, and each drawing is independent of the ones before it. This means that every drawing has the same odds, regardless of when it occurs or the size of the jackpot. For example, according to lottery officials, the odds of winning the Mega Millions grand prize remain at 1 in 302,575,350 for each drawing.
Odds of winning the Powerball are only slightly better, coming in at 1 in 292,201,338 for each drawing. These astronomical odds are just one of many reasons why the Powerball lottery is so hard to win.
Another thing to keep in mind is that larger jackpots tend to draw more players. If you only play when the jackpot is big, this could mean that if you do win, there’s a higher chance that you’ll need to split the jackpot with other winners.
Conversely, some people believe the best time to play is when there are fewer players buying tickets. So, this strategy hinges on playing the lower jackpot drawings as you could assume these drawings might have fewer players.
The truth is buying lottery tickets when fewer people are buying doesn’t change your odds of winning the jackpot. Again, those odds are determined by the total possible number combinations, not by the number of players or tickets sold.
However, buying when fewer people are playing might have a slight advantage in the sense that if you do win, you are less likely to have to split the jackpot with other winners. This is because fewer winning tickets will be in circulation. But again, this doesn’t improve your chances of winning, only the amount you might win.
This couple’s timing strategy outsmarted the lottery for a whopping $26 million windfall
Jerry and Marge Selbee used a technique known as “roll-down” betting to win approximately $26 million in the lottery. They achieved this spectacular feat playing the Michigan Lottery’s game called Cash WinFall and a similar game offered by the Massachusetts State Lottery.
The strategy had a timing aspect to it because it relied upon them recognizing when the right time was to buy tickets. At that point, they went all in.
Here’s the strategy the Selbees used:
1. Identifying the roll-down: Winfall had a rule where if the jackpot hit $5 million and no one matched all six numbers, the jackpot would “roll down” to the lower prize tiers. This meant that even those who matched fewer numbers stood to win a much larger prize than usual.
2. Timing their purchases: Jerry and Marge Selbee would buy tickets only during roll-down weeks. This meant the expected return on investment was statistically higher. Jerry, having a background in mathematics, knew that during these weeks, the more tickets they bought, the more their chances of winning increased.
3. Buying in bulk: Jerry and Marge formed a lottery pool comprised of friends and family. They purchased hundreds of thousands of tickets during roll-down weeks. Their strategy was based on volume—the more tickets they bought, the higher their chances of winning.
4. Reinvesting their winnings: They would use the money they won to buy more tickets for future roll-downs, thereby increasing their potential winnings each time.
IMPORTANT: Be aware the Selbee’s strategy is not a guaranteed win. It’s based on probabilities and requires a significant upfront investment. It’s also worth noting that since their success, many lotteries have altered their rules to prevent this kind of strategy from being possible.
You can learn more about the Selbees and their lucrative lottery strategy from this 60 Minutes video:
5 warning signs it’s time for you to quit playing the lottery
Speaking of time and playing the lottery reminds me of Kenny Rogers’ rendition of the song, The Gambler. The popular tune emphasizes the importance of…
“Knowing when to hold ‘em, knowing when to fold ‘em, knowing when to walk away, and knowing when to run.”
“The Gambler” is a song written by Don Schlitz and recorded by Kenny Rogers.
In the song, the gambler talks about recognizing the crucial moment when you need to cash in your chips and stop chasing an elusive dream. As a lottery player, you’ll want to pay attention to these five signs that warn you it’s time to step away from playing the lottery.
Sign 1: You’re spending money you can’t afford to lose
Responsible gambling means only spending surplus money—money that’s left over after paying all your bills, savings, and necessary expenses. If you find yourself reaching into your rent or grocery money to buy lottery tickets, you’re walking a risky line.
Stories abound of people who have run into severe financial problems due to overspending on lottery tickets. This habit can lead to a cycle of debt that can take years to break free from.
Sign 2: The lottery is negatively impacting your personal relationships
When your attention to lottery begins to interfere with family time, friendships, or causes disagreements about money, it’s time to reassess. Relationships are a critical part of our lives and provide a support network that is invaluable during tough times.
If your lottery playing is causing strain or leading to conflicts, this is a clear sign you need to change your behavior.
Sign 3: You’re neglecting other important financial goals
Whether it’s saving for retirement, creating an emergency fund, or making a down payment on a home, financial goals require consistent effort and planning. If you’re funneling money into the lottery instead of these important financial milestones, you’re doing your future self a disservice.
Remember, a solid financial future isn’t built on luck but careful planning and intelligent saving.
Sign 4: You’re developing superstitious behaviors or beliefs
As we discussed earlier, lottery results are random. They are not a result of superstition.
If you find yourself strongly believing in rituals or behaviors that you think increase your odds, it might be a sign you’re developing an unhealthy relationship with the lottery. Psychologists warn against such superstitions as they may be indicative of problematic gambling behavior.
Sign 5: You feel a compulsive need to play
A desire to play the lottery can become a compulsion if not checked. If you find yourself feeling anxious or unsettled when you’re not able to buy a ticket, you may be developing a gambling addiction. Recognize these feelings as a warning sign and seek help from a licensed professional who can provide guidance and resources.
Summing up: The time you play the lottery should be enjoyable
Playing the lottery can be a harmless hobby, but it’s essential to remain vigilant for signs that it’s becoming a problem. If you find yourself overspending, jeopardizing relationships, neglecting financial goals, developing superstitious behaviors, or feeling a compulsive need to play, it may be time to step back. Always remember that it’s okay to seek help and make the changes necessary to protect your financial and emotional wellbeing.