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Lottery

Veronika Stroff
Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1: Math Behind the Game
Chapter 2: Common Theories for Success
Chapter 3: Methods and Strategies
Chapter 4: Tips for Success
Conclusion
Copyright 2018 by Veronika Stroff - All rights reserved.

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Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing Lottery and thank you for doing so.

The following chapters will discuss the mathematics behind how the odds of
the lottery are determined as well as how math is used to determine methods
and strategies commonly used by successful players. There are a few math
formulas and concepts outlined in the book, particularly in chapter 1, but the
purpose is to show how the formulas work and why they are relevant to
know. After grasping the math, the strategies and methods are outlined in
more detail along with common theories used behind winning the lottery.
Things to avoid, such as common cheating and scamming methods, are also
mentioned to aid you in being safe and smart. Finally, tips and tactics on how
to plan, play and protect your winnings are included in the final chapter.

By making an informed decision and taking a logical approach to playing the


lottery, it is possible to be successful. It may not be the mega million jackpot
right away, but several small wins can dramatically change your life. Using
theories, strategies, and tips detailed in this book you can be on your way to a
win.

Remember, do not give up on yourself or your numbers. Always have fun,


savor the excitement, and enjoy the dream-come-true!

There are plenty of books on this subject on the market, thanks again for
choosing this one! Every effort was made to ensure it is full of as much
useful information as possible, please enjoy!
Chapter 1: Math Behind the Game

How to mathematically choose the right 6 numbers from the given 49

When people think of the lottery, they are often thinking of the game that
requires them to pick 6 original, meaning not duplicated, numbers from 1 to
49. A jackpot winner is a person who chose all 6 numbers that were drawn. It
does not matter the order that the numbers were drawn or chosen. There is a
one in almost 14 million chance of this happening. Out of the 49 numbers in
the bag, there is 1 chance for predicting the first number to be drawn, and,
since that number will not be put back in the pot, there are now 48 numbers
to be chosen from for the second number.

Because it is unimportant how the numbers are chosen, the numbers can be
drawn in 720 various orders. This is determined by finding the factorial of 6,
which is the equation: 1x2x3x4x5x6. This is important to understand because
the probability of a person choosing all 6 numbers the exact same order is
over 10 billion. Taking the probability and dividing it by the various order
opportunities lowers the probability to 14 million. Viewing it from this
perspective, 14 million appears to be more manageable than it did before!

The equation to determine this probability is labeled the “combination”


equation. The term “combination” was chosen to refer to the numerical set
that does not follow a specific order.

If factorials seem overwhelming, the probability can be determined another


way. The ratio of probability for picking the first number is 6 in 49 and 5 in
48 for the second number. By using this method for all 6 numbers, the
answers for each number can be multiplied together and will result in the
same probability of almost 14 million. The drawn-out equation looks
something like this: (49/6) x (48/5) x (47/4) x (46/3) x (45/2) x (44/1).
The term “number space” is used to describe the spread of combinations
possible. For a specific drawing, the number space of the lottery presented as
a percentage is defined as “coverage.”

Likelihood of choosing different possibilities other than a jackpot

Using the “hypergeometric distribution,” it is possible to determine the


likelihood of a person selecting none to all six numbers from the draw. This
distribution equation uses the total quantity of balls to be chosen from, the
number of numbers per ticket, and the number of winning numbers a person
selected. The equation looks something like this:

For the 6 in 49 game, K represents 6 which is the total amount of numbers


per ticket, B represents 49 which is how many balls are in the lottery, and N
represents how many winning numbers were chosen by the player who can
range from 0 to all 6.

The probability results of these calculations for the 6 in 49 lottery game are as
follows:

0 winning numbers chosen: 435,461 / 998, 844


1 winning number chosen: 68,757 / 166,474
2 winning number chosen: 44,075 / 332,948
3 winning number chosen: 8,815 / 499,422
4 winning number chosen: 645 / 665,896
5 winning number chosen: 43 / 2,330,636
6 winning number chosen: 1 / 13,983,816
Keep in mind; the probability needs to be adjusted if the bonus number is
also played.

Bonus Balls or Power balls

A selection of numbers that are separate from the main lottery make up the
pool a bonus ball, or a “power ball” is chosen from. To adjust the probability
to account for a bonus ball the probability should be divided by the total
selection of power ball numbers. For example, in the 6 in 49 game the power
ball typically has 10 different numbers it can be chosen from. The probability
of choosing 3 of the winning numbers is 1 in 56.66. This means the adjusted
probability of winning the power ball and 3 numbers would be 1 in 566.6 or
precisely 8,815 / 4,994,220.

Some lottery versions may have more than one bonus ball per ticket. In this
instance, use the “hypergeometric distribution” that was explained previously
to find the various probabilities for power ball combinations and then
multiply it to the probability of the number of winning numbers in a ticket.
The winning numbers again can vary from 0 to the maximum amount of
numbers chosen for a single ticket.

Other versions pull the bonus ball from the same numbers that the main
lottery uses. If this is the case, factor this power ball into the regular lottery’s
hypergeometric distribution equations. For example, if there are 6 numbers
chosen per ticket plus one power ball that is pulled from the same pool, the
probability can be increased to 7 numbers on a winning ticket.

The odds of winning a jackpot grand prize with the bonus ball coming from a
separate set of numbers is much lower than if the bonus ball is chosen from
the same pot. Consider this when choosing what lottery you ultimately end up
playing.

Ticket Purchase Minimum


Trying to figure out how many tickets a person needs to buy to guarantee
they choose a minimum of 2 of the winning numbers is a tricky calculation.
Many claims that this is an open equation, meaning it is not possible to truly
determine, but a group of mathematicians did determine a number for the 5 in
90 lottery. According to Zoltan Furedi, Gabor Szekely, and Zoltan Zubor and
their publication in the Journal of Combinatorial Designs, a person needs to
purchase 100 tickets to ensure the player will choose at least 2 of the winning
numbers on one ticket. The 5 in 90 game has one of the toughest odds.
Hopefully, this can allow for a concept of scale.

The number of days played is not an indicator of the likelihood of a win but
rather the number tickets bought at one time. This is a simple probability
equation. For example, from the nearly 14 million varieties in the 6 in 49
game, there is one chance of winning. But if one person buys two tickets with
different numbers, the odds are cut in half. This means there is now a
1:7million chance of success. Keep extrapolating this information and the
result is if one person purchases nearly 14 million tickets the probability is
1:1, or it is guaranteed the winning combination is in the selection. Clearly
that is not a feasible strategy, but hopefully, it illustrates how the concept
works. The more tickets bought, the greater the odds of winning.

“Law of Large Numbers”

Outcomes become nearer to the anticipated value the more an incident is


repeated, especially when it is repeated several times. This is the "law of
Large Numbers." When applied to the concept of winning the lottery, this law
would imply that the more you play, the closer you become to reaching your
expected result, which in most cases is to win the jackpot. In addition, the
more you play a favorite set of numbers, the more likely it will eventually
result in a win for you.

Pick a More Winnable Lottery


It is more difficult to win the lottery that has the bigger jackpot. To win a big
jackpot is a struggle and may take significant time. Playing a lottery with a
smaller jackpot may not be as thrilling, but the odds of winning something
are greater and can still be significant.
There are other methods for determining a more favorable lottery other than
just looking at the size of the jackpot. To begin, a lottery that has fewer
numbers to choose from has greater odds of winning. This is the same for the
number of numbers chosen. The smaller amount of numbers on a single ticket
has greater odds of winning. When putting together, it is easier for a person
to decide which lottery has the best odds.
This table shows the various odds and combinations possible in different
types of lotteries to aid in your decision making:

Patterns

It may come as a surprise to learn that not all number combinations have an
equal probability of being drawn. For example, many people around the
world play the numbers 1 through 6 every week. The likelihood of this
combination of numbers is probably never going to be pulled.

A study published by a mathematician hypothesized that there are various


patterns that will probably occur for groups of certain numbers. In a 6 in 49
game there are about 200 combinations. For each of these patterns, there is an
associated probability related to them being drawn together. The basis of this
concept is founded upon the idea that if some patterns outstrip another, that
later pattern is unlikely to be drawn.

Some of the suggested winning patterns include:

22, 36, 46, 08, 7, 28


09, 43, 26, 48, 13, 10
37, 25, 40, 15, 34, 23
29, 07, 08, 25, 03, 33
44, 53, 05, 48, 45, 26

Pick Winning Numbers Using Math

Using the mathematic patterns of probability, it is the best way to choose


groups of numbers that you feel will be best.

Choosing Numbers Often Picked

1. If your state publishes a frequency chart, look it up. Choose the


publication that includes the winning numbers from the night before.
2. If they publish the history of the frequency of a number use this
information to make your decision on more data.
3. Do not only choose frequent numbers. Take a chance on the less
frequent.
4. Choosing a less frequent number may require more patience for it to hit
but when it does there are typically fewer players of that number
meaning the pot is split fewer times for winners. This can make the take-
home win much larger.

“Delta System” Method

1. Select a number from 1 to 5, choosing a very low number. The number


1, for example, appears 60% of the time in winning lotteries.
2. Select 2 numbers from 1 to 8. Do not repeat the number chosen in step
1. This can be in any pattern or use any reasoning, like a pair of odd
numbers or consecutive numbers. Again, no repeating. For example, 2
and 8 make the sequence of numbers chosen now 1, 2, 8.
3. Select a number near 8. 7 or 9 are the best options. Still no repetition.
The sequence can now be 1, 2, 8, 7.
4. Select 2 numbers from 8 to 15. The best option is to choose 2 numbers
that are separated by 2 or more other numbers. These numbers do not
need to be listed in sequential order. For example, 15 and 9. Notice this
still follows the previous steps and does not repeat any numbers already
chosen. The sequence is now 1, 2, 8, 7, 15, 9.
5. Add your numbers together. If the sum of the 6 numbers is larger than
the highest number in the pot, you need to adjust. If the numbers you
have chosen are nearly 15 numbers below the lottery maximum number
when added together, the 6 chosen are considered “good” delta numbers.
6. For the next steps, the delta numbers should be rearranged in different
sequences. For example, 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 15.
7. Once the final arrangement is determined, record the first number of the
sequence to be used as the first lottery number to be played. In this
example, this number is 1.
8. Select the second lottery number to be played by adding the second delta
number in the sequence to the first lottery number decided. This
equation would look like this: 2+1. The answer, 3, is the second lottery
number.
9. Select the third lottery number by adding the third delta number to the
second lottery number. This equation looks like this: 7+3. The answer,
10, is the third lottery number.
10. Select the fourth lottery number by adding the fourth delta number to the
third lottery number. This equation looks like this: 8+10. The answer,
18, is the fourth lottery number.
11. Select the fifth lottery number by adding the fifth delta number to the
fourth lottery number. This equation looks like this: 9+18. The answer,
27, is the fifth lottery number.
12. Select the sixth lottery number by adding the sixth delta number to the
fifth lottery number. This equation looks like this: 15+27. The Answer,
42, is the sixth lottery number.
13. This process can be repeated for other sequences of delta numbers and
other completely different delta numbers to give a variety of patterns.

The Theory of Lucky Numbers

Playing birthdays and other lucky numbers have worked for some people but
being creative with the numbers selected can provide more options. For
example, instead of just using the day of someone’s birthday, consider adding
the month and day together to form a “super-lucky” number. The Law of
Large Numbers can be applied to this way to pick winning numbers by
playing the strong of lucky numbers frequently.

Odd and Even Balance

7 odd and even combinations exist in the 6 in 49 lottery. To determine 1 of


the 200 patterns that is the best to use, the probability theory can be applied.
To begin, the combinations possible for odd and even numbers should be
formulated using the binomial coefficient formula. Basically, this adds the
various options in the category together. Once the number of combinations
per pattern is determined, it can be applied to the probability theory to
determine the most likely combination of odd and even numbers for success.
For example, there are about 135,000 even number patterns and a probability
of 0.9% of happening. This is pretty low. On the other hand, an even mix of
odd and even numbers has the greatest probability of occurring.

High and Low Balance

Very much like the concept of odd and even balance, high and low balance
rests on the mathematical concepts that a mix is best. Because “high” and
“low” are subjective depending on the lottery you are playing, it is easiest to
just divide the total numbers that can be chosen from in half. For example, in
the 6 in 49 game, take 49 and divide it in half, as evenly as possible. The
result is numbers 1 through 24 considered “low,” and the remaining numbers
25 through 49 are considered “high.” Next in the process is to determine the
number of combinations available per pattern of high and low. Once this is
established probability can be determined. Ultimately, because there are more
combinations for a balanced mix, the probability of this sequence being
chosen is greater.

More Math to Increase Success

While each mathematical concept in this chapter is aimed at providing a level


of understanding and technique, it is important to remember that these
concepts do not have to exist in a vacuum. Employing one or more of the
different equations and theories to a number sequence can improve the odds
of winning further. For example, when choosing to employ the Delta System,
consider how it will affect the sequence in term of a high-low and odd-even
balance. Maybe choose a more winnable lottery and purchase multiple tickets
using a variety of sequences you determined through a variety of equations
and theories. There is still no mathematical equation that can predict the
lottery exactly (otherwise there would be no point in having one!), so find a
method that personally makes sense and play smart.

Chapter Highlights:
1. Learn what terminology, such as “number space” and “coverage,”
means and how they are applied to the math behind winning the lottery.
2. Understand the equation used to find the odds of success from picking 0
winning numbers to all 6 and why this information is important to
success.
3. Recognize how a bonus ball can impact the odds of winning and the
difference between a bonus ball pulled from the same draw or different
one.
4. Purchase more tickets at one time instead of one ticket for each draw.
5. The more the lottery is played, and the more a certain sequence is
played, the greater the odds are of winning.
6. Use the understanding of how patterns work to choose the best lottery
numbers to play.

1. Know the winning frequency of a number. The more history on it the


better!
2. Try using the “Delta Method” to select a range of lottery numbers that
stem from a set of foundations numbers between 1 and 15.
3. Do not discard lucky numbers!
4. Mix up numbers, selecting a balance of high and low and odd and even
for the greatest odds of success.

7. Do not limit the math to apply to only one area in one application. Apply
these mathematical principles and theories together to create a winning
strategy that personally fits and increases the odds of success.
8. Math will not "crack" the lottery to guarantee a jackpot win, but it can
make a more mindful strategy used to increase the odds of winning.
Chapter 2: Common Theories for Success

A considerable portion of this book is dedicated to explaining how the lottery


works and providing knowledge on ways to be successful or at least smart
when approaching this method of gambling. Some of the methods that have
already been discussed in Chapter 1 or will be explained further in the
upcoming chapters include:

Pick a lottery with good odds of winning.


Buy more tickets per draw. Skip draws if necessary to be able to afford
more tickets on one draw.
Know what the odds are of winning a chosen lottery and what the
payouts look like.
Use mathematical methods to choose numbers, such as combining odd
and even numbers and high and low numbers.
Consider using a wheel.
Do not bet on the impossible. Choose wise lotteries and wise number
combinations.
Avoid unfounded or unthought-out methods.
Have fun! Enjoy the excitement!

And while all of these suggestions are important and valid; some of this book
should be dedicated to theories on what to not do to “win” the lottery. To
illustrate these theories, an example must be given.
When the fourth multimillion prize was awarded to a player in 2010, people
began to wonder if this person had finally cracked the code on how to always
win the lottery. This $10 million is the stuff of dreams for most people, but
this was just another payout to add to the list for the player. Some suspected
cheating. It did not help dispel these rumors when it was revealed the winner
had a doctorate from a prestigious Ivy League school and lived in the largest
gambling city in America, Las Vegas. The controversy was fueled when
media took on the story and brought on top mathematical experts to weigh in
on the notion of fraud. These mathematicians’ sited statistics of this 4th win in
numbers most people do not even know what they look like or how many
zeros are supposed to be behind that number. Even more remarkable, the
tickets were all bought in a similar location in a small town.
No answers have been concretely found; however, but theories of how it was
achieved have become more sophisticated. The foundation of these theories
indicates that this player probably spent millions of dollars in tickets to
ultimately win those jackpots. In addition, they may have pooled with a
friend. The group may have also used simple gambling theories to win, as
well. Techniques like card counting, timing, and management of money are
all theories.
Consider the amount of time it takes one person to play a ticket. Take that
time and work it up from there, determining how many tickets per day, month
and year are possible. If there are multiple people in the pool, multiply those
findings by the number of people participating. Do not factor in shortcuts for
playing a ticket that can occur to allow for cushion. Working in this manner,
in a small town with limited competition and demand, the odds are great for a
payout because it can be monopolized.
Luck may have been responsible for the first win but not in the subsequent
wins. To win the amount recorded, according to experts in statistics, over
80,000 tickets needed to be purchased for one individual. If partnered, this
estimate would rise.
The theory that massive tickets were bought supports the odds of success for
this player. And playing a lottery that is low cost and high odds means an
even greater chance for this success. Some may call this strategy
“pathological;” however, others would call it “professional.” Similar
professional methods of massive ticket buying have been used in the past
with pools purchasing large quantities and earning large jackpots to split
amongst the players.
This player may have used some sophisticated strategies for their success, but
there are surefire things they did not do. Below are some strategies that this
player may have followed and some that they avoided. Make sure to consider
them in the next play.
Strategies to Follow:
The player illustrated above employed various likely strategies. Some may be
obvious while others not. The purpose of this section is to define various
methods to be used to increase the odds.
First, do not spend money that is required for life’s needs. Most people
cannot afford to risk money on a game of random luck. Betting rent or
grocery money on the lottery can leave many hungry and out on the streets, in
the most extreme cases. If taking a chance, set the budget and stick to it.
As often as possible, do not have someone else purchase tickets. Purchase
them personally. Also, do not purchase tickets for others. Do not loan money
to purchase tickets or go 50/50 on a ticket. If it is a losing ticket or a small
sum there is typically no problem with these actions; however, if it is a
jackpot, it can become complicated and embarrassing. For example, if money
is loaned to purchase a winning ticket the person loaning the money may feel
entitled to some of the winnings, even though the money loaned is a
significantly smaller amount than the win. This situation can be reversed with
a loser and winner on either side. When faced with such life-altering amounts
of money some people will choose to not honor their word from before the
win. This can lead to dissolved friendships and family feuds. Lawsuits and
bruised feelings can occur. This does not apply to gifts given and received, as
there is no expectation of payback or retribution.
A way to increase the ability to purchase more tickets is to use the house’s
money to bet. For example, after the initial investment that results in a win,
repay the money invested and use the remaining winnings to purchase future
tickets. Using this strategy does result in money being used to purchase
tickets but without causing a true financial risk for the player.
To encourage more people to take the risk of playing the lottery, some states
begin investing in the games to produce higher payouts and improve the odds
of winning. The higher jackpots create more temptation for players and also
bring out smart players who watch the odds.
The other way states encourage playing the lottery is by offering tax breaks
for lottery losses. On federal tax-returns, losses can be written off against
winnings. Do not discard the losing tickets or hand over winning tickets
without photocopying the front and back sides of the ticket. This protects the
winner but also allows for documentation during tax time. If winnings are
greater than losses, all losses can be written off against the winnings. If the
winnings are less than the losses, only losses up to the winning amount can
be written off. Keeping all tickets is necessary to be able to prove wins and
losses if audited. Also, “professional” gamblers can further impact their
taxes. Interestingly, this tax break benefits winners over losers, but it can still
be nice to get some money written off. All expenses related to gambling can
then be written off, such as trips to the store to purchase tickets, and even
home office equipment. Keep in mind; self-employment tax will apply in this
last scenario.
Many states also provide information about what is still available on their
websites. This advantage is attractive for many reasons. This allows for
elimination to occur because other players are playing and not winning
increasing the odds of an eventual hit.
The phrases, “Luck favors the bold” and “beginner’s luck” can both be
applied to this example and provide good advice for those wanting to begin a
serious journey into smartly playing the lottery. There is some logic to riding
the luck at the beginning of playing the lottery. Use those initial wins to build
confidence and provide a financially risk-free investment into the next
purchase and scale up from there.
Get to know the Lottery
Besides reading how the lottery works and researching tips and theories (like
reading this book!), communicating directly with the lottery is another
strategy that is commonly overlooked. Speaking directly with them or
communicating indirectly to ask questions can be an effective strategy to
build understanding. If it is offered, sign up for the lottery newsletter. The
amount of information provided in such publications varies, but most of the
time these are free and include information like new games being introduced,
prizes available, promotions special for a limited time frame, stories of
winners, and previous winning numbers over a span of time such as a month
or a week. Other information could include the lotteries prediction of “cold”
and “hot” numbers and information on how to play the games.
The backside of a lottery ticket includes phone numbers for the lottery. Most
of the time these numbers are linked to customer service agents but can still
be called “hotlines.” These phone numbers may not give out winning draw
information over the phone, but they can provide direction for claims centers
and the lottery headquarters if a ticket is a potential jackpot. Having access to
these numbers also protects a player against potential scamming.
Another way to directly contact the lottery is through email. This contact
information is sometimes listed on a ticket but more than likely it is available
on the lottery’s website.
Replacing the use of the "hotlines," websites have now become the go-to
option for answering questions about the lottery. A treasure trove of
information is stored on here. Just like newsletter publications, types and
depth of information shared varies from site to site; however, may contain
information such as how old a person needs to be to play the lottery, new and
current games available, odds of winning games, instructions on how to play
the games, draw results, sometimes from a few weeks past to multiple
months previous, and the next draw’s date and time. Websites also often
highlight winners on them. If a ticket is a winner, the website provides
information on where and how to collect the winnings. The “Frequently
Asked Questions” or “FAQ’s” section on some sites a great place to start to
gather important information many people want and need to know. This
information about the lottery’s official website is often included on the ticket,
just like the phone number.

Strategies Not to Follow:

As mentioned in the beginning, this chapter is a place to discuss strategies not


to use to “win” the lottery. Trying to rig or beat the system is a failing
strategy, for example. Several years ago, lottery systems switched processing
methods to completely remove the human element from the draw. Now
machines are used to make sure there are no human factors that can alter the
results and make it completely random. This means no cashier or lottery
official can help an individual win the lottery. No software can determine the
exact randomization of the lottery’s draw. In fact, there are lottery officials
whose job it is to ensure no one knows how the numbers are drawn.

There is a history of cheaters who have been speedily caught in their attempt
to fraud the system. For example, in the past a group of people tampered with
the balls making certain numbers more likely than others to be drawn.
Because of the surprising number of bets placed on the odd combination of
numbers suspicion was aroused quickly and the culprits were routed out just
as fast. Another example is a clerk who claimed tickets were being donated
to various organizations or causes but instead played the tickets and claimed
the winnings without paying for the tickets. This was easily traceable and led
to jail time and financial reimbursement from that individual.

Altering the tickets is another poor strategy. According to officials from the
lottery, tickets are printed in a very specific manner and tested to thwart such
assaults. Ticket paper is treated with different chemicals and heating
methods. Advanced engineering and chemistry are used to make sure ticket
tampering is very obvious.

Also, developing an effective method for revealing the codes used in the
lottery is another ineffective strategy to attempt to win the lottery.
Mathematicians, statisticians, and other experts have worked tirelessly at
finding a way to guarantee the lottery numbers but have thus far failed. It is
highly unlikely the player in the example at the start of the chapter was able
to do this, and all the others were not. The most brilliant minds cannot find
the winning system, it is most likely not worth the time or effort to do so
individually.
“Even if you had a supercomputer and a trillion data points, you still could
not predict if the trillionth and one ticket is a winner,” Bennett, Scientific
Games lead designer for gaming said, “You still wouldn’t have enough
information to predict the next ticket.”
Bennett also said, “Every game is unique in what we call the shuffle.” This
means using the theory of timing may not be an exact science in winning the
lottery.
This also applies to software and systems that advertise that they have
“cracked the code” and guarantee a win. This claim should raise the question,
"If this is the case, why do the people who have created this system are
advertising it and not using it to make themselves ultra-rich?” Reputable
companies offering mathematical and statistical help can be worth the
investment. These scams are not.
Cheating after the lottery is drawn is another losing strategy. Clerks, like the
one mentioned above, that cash in false lottery tickets are often the most
utilized method of after-draw cheating. Another method of cheating clerks
has been found guilty of includes taking money from the real winners.
Winners come in to check the validity of a ticket, for example, and the clerk
says it did not hit. They then take the ticket for themselves and take the
winnings. Another form of after-draw cheating includes money laundering.
For already-flagged suspects in illicit activity winning the lottery is a sure-
fire way of being investigated thoroughly and found out immediately if it was
won from illegal activities.
While it may not be an intentional scam, avoid putting a winning lottery
ticket in the mail to be cashed in, even if the lottery says it is ok to do so. This
opens up the possibility of the ticket being lost or intercepted in the mail
before it reaches the lottery headquarters. Also, if the envelope is delivered to
the wrong address, another can claim the prize, especially if the ticket is also
missing the signature on the backside. This is considered the equivalent of
mailing cash in an envelope; it is possible to do but not a wise way to handle
money.
Strategies for Keeping the Wealth of a Win

The hard part of winning the lottery is over, and now the next stage begins.
Imagine the day has arrived and a big win is on the ticket in hand. There are
some shared strategies for ensuring personal safety and the associated payout
that hard work and time has earned.

1. Sign the ticket immediately after purchasing the ticket. At the very least,
no matter the amount won, sign it on the back. This ensures the person
that signed it will get the winning. Without the signature, whoever turns
the ticket in gets the cash.
2. Put the ticket someplace safe. If it is a winner, place it somewhere no
one will stumble upon it until it can be cashed in.
3. Do not announce to the world that the winning ticket is in hand. Not
only will this strategy protect against potential violence it will also stave
off unwanted requests for handouts when the news is released.
4. Watch the time frame for claiming the prize. Some locations have a
limitation imposed on a winning ticket. It can be a long period of
relatively short. Find this information online or on the ticket or call the
lottery directly to find out.
5. Meet with a tax attorney before claiming the prize to be prepared for
how the money will be handled.
6. Hire a trustworthy and reliable financial team to assist with handling the
winning cash. To improve the odds of hiring a reliable team, choose
professionals from different firms to double check and check from
different perspectives the work of the others. It helps to also have
financial knowledge or gain the understanding to assist in managing the
wealth.
7. Control how money is spent by having the last say in decisions that are
made regarding the money and stay in constant communication with the
team.
8. When faced with the two options of receiving the cash payout, choose
the lump sum. This is because tax rates can change in the future and dip
into earnings deeper than originally calculated. This also allows for
more control over the winning money immediately.
9. Putting a large winning into the standard bank is not wise, as the FDIC
does not insure sums that large. Instead, consider a brokerage account,
or investing it wisely as quick as possible to keep it safe.
10. Before investing; however, pull out the funds to cover what needs to be
immediately taken care of, such as setting up a retirement fund, paying
off educational fees, or baying off debts.
11. Make major life decisions carefully. Do not make a drastic move
without fully considering the impact on lifestyle and give time for the
new reality to hit. The suggested time frame is 6 months to a year.
12. Do have some fun by having a small splurge. This is part of the
excitement of the win. Enjoy the win a bit! Congratulations! It has
opened doors that were closed tight before; just avoid going on a
spending spree or being too lavish.

Chapter Highlights:
1. Spend money only if it is expendable. Do not spend rent or grocery
money on playing the lottery.
2. Purchase the ticket and do not purchase one for another or loan money
for a ticket for another person.
3. Use the house’s money to play after the initial investments.
4. Keep both losing and winning tickets for the tax returns at the end of the
year.
5. Use the lottery’s provided information and contact details to be
informed and ask questions.
6. Do not try to cheat or steal money from the lottery. It does not end well,
and many measures are in place to prevent these “strategies” from
succeeding.
7. Do not mail in a winning ticket, even if the lottery says it accepts tickets
this way. It may not be an intentional method of scamming, but it opens
many more areas for error.
8. Be smart with the winnings once a big win or jackpot is secured. Be safe
and secure the ticket. Hire a variety of professionals that are trustworthy.
Protect the money and be smart.
9. On the day of the big win, or even when a small win is drawn, celebrate
it! Be excited! “Ride the wave” and have fun being a winner.
Chapter 3: Methods and Strategies

Logic and mathematics are the foundation of a good strategy. A system based
on reality is important for future success. To improve the odds of winning,
learning techniques like pooling, tacking, wheeling and skipping games will
arm one with knowledge and skills to increase the potential for success.

The people who play the lottery with these techniques typically understand
the odds of the lottery they have chosen and usually choose games with a
higher probability of winning. For example, the larger pots usually belong to
the larger lotteries and typically have the lower odds. To improve the winning
odds, they choose the smaller lotteries with the typical corresponding small
pot. While this may not seem as attractive in the beginning, it is possible to
win several small lotteries that can add up to a big total.

If they take a chance on a big win, they use strategies such as pooling,
tracking, wheeling, and skipping games to improve their odds of hitting the
jackpot. Many lottery “specialists” confirm that these are the go-to’s for the
most successful players. Below is a highlight of the 4 most popular strategies
in addition to an introduction to other methods. Suggestions and tactics are
also suggested for each strategy to assist in the likelihood of making the best
personal decision and investment.

Pooling

In an office, coworkers will sometimes go in together to purchase large


quantities of tickets to increase the odds of a win. The idea is that each person
will have to spend less to improve their odds and, if the group wins, the lot if
split amongst the individuals. This is the main downfall of this strategy. Of
course, this collaboration does not have to occur only in an office setting.
Any group of people, large or small, can band together to get the most for
their investment.
Below are some tips to consider before partnering with others in a pool:

Some pools are run commercially. Before getting involved in a group


like this, do research to make sure the leaders of the group can be trusted
and have a good reputation.
A commercial group should not have less than 100 members to ensure
each individual will have a decent amount of the winnings to take home.
If it is a professional group there should be group rules written down
that can be shared before joining the group.
Family and friends can be a good group to get together for a pool;
however, make sure they are trustworthy as well.
A large pool may seem attractive but do not join a private group with
more than 15 members. If the group is larger than 15 the amount of
money each person would take home would be severely shrunk, making
the investment most likely not worth it.
Regardless of a private or commercial pool, clear definition of certain
actions should be established. For example, how a win would be
handled, how the numbers will be chosen, the person that holds the
tickets, and how checking the tickets for a win will occur.

Tracking

Tracking is also called "frequency analysis." Winning numbers in this


method are tracked individually over time. This determines the opportunity
for the number winning in the future based on the previous performance of
the number. If familiar with horse or dog racing, this is a similar method of
prediction.

“Hot numbers” are the numbers that are often chosen in a particular lottery.
Because these “hot numbers” have often appeared in the past some players
will only play these numbers on the pretense that they will obviously show up
again. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Other players will never play these
numbers under the pretense that they have been “spent” and will not appear
again for some time. These players look at the “cold numbers” for ones that
have not appeared much in a long period of time. Other players combine
“hot” and “cold” numbers, with some mixing in their own personal “lucky”
numbers. No matter what, remember that those in charge of the lottery go
through great lengths to make sure the lottery remains random so any pattern
that is identified will most likely be intentionally broken so that the game
remains a game of chance, to some extent.

To find the frequency of a number, check the state’s lottery website. There
are also websites that provide lists of frequent numbers with other helpful
tools like graphs, charts or diagrams that forecast the likelihood of a number
being drawn. There is no formula for tracking that is guaranteed, and there
are contrasting views of the “right” way to track numbers, so it is wise to
develop an individual method using the tools available.

An example of a winning tracker is the $21 million jackpot winner of the


Texas lottery when it first began. What made this even more interesting from
a tracking standpoint is that, because the lottery had just begun at this time in
Texas, the winner had to track numbers in different states to determine their
tracking formula that won them the jackpot.

Wheeling

This system is a code made up of a numerical master list of personal “best


picks.” This is not used to select the numbers but a way to use the already-
chosen numbers more effectively. The system takes those best picks and
circulates them into a variety of combinations. If the master list of numbers
being used in the wheel match 4 or more of the winning numbers drawn there
is a high likelihood, there is a winning combination selected. It may not be a
jackpot, though.

This method is great for those that have numbers that hit but never seem to
get the chosen numbers to play on the same ticket.
This can be a pricey strategy. Determine a max to spend on tickets before
beginning and stay within the budget. The next step is to decide on how many
numbers will be on a personal master list. Once the master list is established
it is now time to make the wheels. This can be done in two ways; made
individually or bought from a lottery wheel “specialist.” If bought, the wheel
templates will be blank and can be offered in a variety of designers, such as
triangles, graphs, circles, or grids. Sometimes the coding is given
alphabetically or color coded. The wheels are developed to give a variety of
combinations in a code for a certain amount of plays. This method only
requires the master list numbers to be entered into it. A "full" wheel covers
all combination possibilities from the master list, and a "short" wheel only
covers a selection of combinations.

The other option is to create a wheel. Identify the numbers in the master list
that hit most frequently. Make sure the wheels created use those numbers
frequently. Conversely, if all the numbers on the master list all have similar
frequency make sure the wheels distribute each number equally. Below is a
table that illustrates how wheels can work using colors instead of numbers:
Now, fill in the numbers from the master list, assigning a number to each
color. Below is the same table with a numerical value assigned to it and the
various combinations filled in:
In this hypothetical example, the winning 5 numbers chosen are 1, 3, 5, 6, 7.
If all 7 combinations were purchased at a dollar a ticket, the total investment
is $7. The winning tickets and matching numbers per ticket are as follows;
To apply this concept to a 6 number draw game use the following wheel
template:
To apply this concept to an 8 number draw game use the following wheel
template:
These examples are just that, examples. These only result in the amazing
wins shown if all the master list numbers are the numbers chosen. Also, there
are other wheel templates for different lottery games like pick 3 or 4.

An example of a pick 4 wheel template is included below to show the


difference:
Skipped Games Strategy

This strategy utilizes the likelihood of a number dropping Sout of the


drawing and then returning based on its historical track record. To
accomplish this, research the last 5 game's winning numbers. The most
meaningful skips are up to 5, which is why this is suggested. For each
number record, the number of games the number did not appear since the last
time it was chosen. Next, record how often the skipping happened. For a
number that skips between 0-5 times, select that number that is absent for that
number of draws.

To illustrate, assume the following numbers are the winning numbers from
the last 5 drawings:

1. 08-11-15-21-22
2. 04-16-28-31-33

3. 02-11-12-20-31

4. 03-07-15-16-18

5. 02-07-21-26-30

Now count the number of times between a number hitting within the 5
combinations. For example, 2 appears in the 3rd and 5th winning combination.
This means one draw occurred between it hitting. This makes its game
skipped number 1. This is also the case for 11. In the first combination 11
appears, it skips the second drawing and appears again in the third making its
game skipped number 1. The number 7 is chosen in both the 4th and 5th
combination, making the number of skips 0. Finally, the number 21 is in the
1st winning combination and not again until the 5th. This makes its game
skipped number 3. Determine the games skipped for each of the numbers in
the 5 combinations. Record the number of 0’s, 1’s, etc. like the following:

If a skip did not happen, such as 4, the numbers out that many games should
be played. In the above example, 8 and 22 would skip 4 games if on the next
drawing they were chosen. Therefore, these 2 would be good numbers to
choose.

More Methods

As introduced earlier, other methods can be used using math to determine


their probability:

Even and Odd Balance: Decide which balance or a mix of odd and even
numbers are desired. As introduced in chapter 1 having an even balance
has the highest probability of being chosen. This means in a 6 in 49
lottery, 3 of the 6 numbers chosen should even, and the remaining 3
should be odd.
Doubles or Pairs Analysis: Taking the frequency of a single number and
going further to determine how often 2 or more numbers are pulled
together.
Pick 4 or 3 Spot: Deciding where a digit is pulled is another theory. The
5 digit can be predicted to be in the 1, 2, or 3 spots.
Sector Formula: Record how often low-frequency numbers are pulled,
how often mid-sector numbers are pulled, and how often high-frequency
numbers are pulled. Based on the patterns observed the numbers chosen
can follow the pattern observed from the various observed numbers.
Computer Analysis: algorithms and bell curves can also be used to
identify patterns of numbers. This involves complex math many times
and typically requires money to purchase access to this information.
Theory of Paint: The more paint that is on the exterior of the ball the
slicker the ball will become. If it is slicker, the machine is more likely to
allow that ball to leave and ultimately become chosen. A small number,
such as 1, will not have as much paint on it as a larger number, such as
22. Using this theory 22 would be more likely to be chosen than 1.

Custom Software
There is no shortage of ways people try to make money from the lottery. One
of these ways is the design of lottery software. Advertisements abound,
especially in gambling-related publications, for different types that offer all
sorts of methods to determine a winning ticket. Like the polling strategy,
check into the reputation of the company or person that created the software
and who is selling it. This can be a significant investment and should be made
wisely. Numbers for wheeling can be chosen with developed software,
systems determined using astrological information, or number databases.
There are also generators that produce random number combinations, similar
to the lottery’s own “quick pick” generator. Sometimes the generators that
produce a random combination are available online for free to do research
before purchasing a software to accomplish the same thing.

Chapter Highlights:

1. Choosing a strategy is best done with logic and mathematics at the


foundation of it.
2. Pooling is a strategy of banding together with others to increase the odds
of winning and lowering the initial investment. Joining a personal or
commercial pool should be done together with trusted individuals, no
more than 50 in a personal pool and no more than 100 in a commercial
one.

1. Keep in mind- the pot will be split between the players if a winning
ticket occurs.

3. Tracking is a strategy of watching the frequency of winning numbers.


Numbers are considered “hot” or “cold” and players choose to play only
hot, only cold or a combination of both types of numbers, depending on
their preference.
1. Keep in mind- the lottery is a randomly generated game. If a pattern is
identified, it is more than likely a consequence. Also, if there is a
pattern, lottery officials will not allow it to occur for too long.

4. Wheeling is a strategy of using already selected numbers and creating


combinations of the numbers to be played. The numbers used can be any
“lucky” group, randomly generated, or favorites picked from past
winning numbers.

1. Keep in mind- The more favorite numbers that are used in generating
"wheels" or combinations, the more combinations there will be. This can
be an expensive method if all combinations are to be played at each
draw. Stick to a budget.

5. Skipping game is a strategy of using the last 5 winning combinations to


predict what numbers will be repeated on the next draw. This is done by
counting the number of draws between a when a number hits one time
and again a second time.

1. Keep in mind- If some skips have not occurred in the last 5 draws, the
numbers that will hit that number of skips on the next draw will most
likely be the next two numbers to be chosen. Looking back at the last 5
draws is the best predictor of this method, going further back or fewer
than 5 is not advisable.

6. Other strategies include odds and evens, doubles, 3 or 4 pick, sector


formula, computer analysis, and theory of paint, to name a few.
7. Software that has been developed for winning the lottery can be
purchased and can be based on a variety of strategies such as providing a
database of numbers, templates for wheels, and astrological projections.
1. Keep in mind- software can be pricey. Also, make sure to purchase from
a trusted source.
Chapter 4: Tips for Success

For many people, the idea of winning the lottery is a life-altering concept.
There are plenty of accounts from multiple-win lottery players and experts
that provide suggestions on how to win the lottery. Following some of their
tips may be the boost needed for a win.

While winning a large pot is a beautiful result of a long-anticipated desire,


this desire can turn swiftly into a traumatic experience if it is unclear the
difference between a scam and an actual notification of a win. The result of
falling into a scam can be extreme. Losing a great deal of money, being
harassed constantly, and being flagged as an easy target are some of the
examples of some of these consequences. It is important to also know the tips
for identifying a scam to prevent falling victim of fraud.

The following chapter will provide a variety of tips and suggestions for
success, including how to identify a scam from a real notification.

10 General Tips for Success

1. Buy more tickets. This is a simple application of the law of probability.


Paying for a ticket result in less profit, and more money will be required
to make this tip viable but boiled down, just buying one ticket improves
the odds of winning.
2. Pool money. Join with other players to have more tickets and more
numbers to play with less initial investment. However, the pot will then
be split between those in the pool if a ticket from the group wins. Of
course, if the pool of only 5 wins a $400 million jackpot, it is still
significant!
3. Pick non-consecutive numbers. Add up the numbers chosen. If they add
up to a sum of 104-176 for a 5 in 55 game, the numbers have a higher
probability of winning. This is an average range which has shown a
likelihood of succeeding.
4. Chosen numbers should not end in the same number nor be from the
same numerical group. The probability of these combinations is very
low.
5. Choose a lottery that is not played by many people and unpopular times.
This means there is less competition. There may be smaller pots to win
but more favorable odds.
6. Dates are a popular choice for lucky numbers, leaving the numbers after
31 less played. This does not inherently increase the odds of winning but
will increase the odds of a smaller pool of people to split the pot with if
those numbers should be chosen.
7. Avoid given numbers. Do not play numbers provided such as in fortune
cookies or on random generator websites. In fact, it may be prudent to
observe these numbers and intentionally not play them.
8. Do not replay last week’s winning numbers. Many people will be doing
this, and the odds of the exact same numbers being drawn again is slim.
9. Purchase a ticket close to the drawing date. This reduces the likelihood
of losing or misplacing the ticket, or worse. Unfortunately, there are
greater odds of dying than winning the lottery. This means the more
days that elapse between a ticket purchase and winning the lottery, the
odds of dying are increased but winning the lottery are still the same.
10. Understand where the money paid into the lottery is used. Some
recommendations advise avoiding the lottery and playing better odds
games, like at a casino. While the odds may be better in other games, the
money spent is not always going directly to bettering the community
like the lottery in those other games. Many lotteries invest back into
schools or local businesses.

BONUS- Enjoy the excitement! Part of playing the lottery is the


anticipation and dream of the big win. Imagine what the winnings will
be used for and enjoy the exhilaration of waiting for the numbers to be
chosen.
Determine Motivation

Consider what would happen with a lottery win. This thought is what inspires
dreams to build to unimaginable heights. This thought could be in the wrong
direction, however. Instead, think about how the lottery is won.

Choosing numbers can be done in a variety of ways, from birthdays to


illusory reasoning. Whatever the reasoning or process used to pick numbers,
it boils down to actually playing the lottery to win it. Do not just dream of
winning the lottery without actually participating in it. Otherwise, it is not
worthwhile to dream of something that is guaranteed to not happen (perhaps
the only guarantee of the library).

Join a pool or play individually, but play the lottery to have a chance to win
the lottery. Write down the reasons for playing the lottery and keep it visible.
Remember the personal purpose of playing each time numbers are chosen for
the next draw. Be in the game, with intelligence and hope.

Tips for Picking Numbers

1. Pick uncommon numbers. Avoid choosing birthdays as many people


make this choice, leaving numbers over 31 less popular. While the odds
remain similar for winning, but less common numbers mean fewer
people to split the jackpot with.
2. Pick numbers out of the pattern. Many people play consecutive numbers
or diagonals on a ticket. These patterns may appear attractive; however,
not only do these patterns have low odds of winning, as many people
fall prey to this idea if they should be chosen the pot would be split for
many people.
3. Do not use a “quick pick” option. The lottery offers a random generator
for those that wish to play the lottery but do not have a set of numbers to
choose from. There are also websites that offer random number
combinations. While this may appear attractive because the lottery is,
after all, a random game, the odds of these are not high. In addition, the
lottery is invested in not having winners. Logic would then dictate that
their provided random numbers may not be the trustworthiness.
4. Recognize that each number has an equal chance of being pulled. No
matter how a set of numbers is chosen it is still the luck of the pull.
5. Once a set of numbers is chosen, stick with it. Do not consistently
change up the combinations. The theory of frequency suggests that
eventually, they will come due the more they are played.

Watch the Tickets


Nothing is worse than doing the research, choosing preferred numbers and
paying for combinations to ultimately miss out on the big payout by
misreading the winning numbers or losing the ticket. When the ticket it
bought, put it in a safe place. Do not forget, try to purchase this ticket as close
to the draw date as possible to minimize the risk of losing it as well.
If fear of forgetting the draw date, write it down to assist in remembering.
Once the draw is made, check the ticket, and then check it again. Some
accounts occur where larger pots go unclaimed, probably because the ticket
was lost or discarded or the winner misread the winning numbers. When the
draw is announced, check the numbers on the ticket and verify that the date
of the draw corresponds with the ticket. It can happen where a ticket from a
previous play is mistaken for a current one. Make sure this does not happen
by verifying the dates correspond.
Some players will ask for a clerk to verify the win at a store that sells lottery
tickets. While this may be a feasible option, be careful of scams that can
develop from this action. More information is available later in this chapter
regarding this and other lottery scams to be aware of.
If it is not possible to watch the lottery pull live, visit the lottery's authentic
website to check the numbers for that draw. Do not rely on news channels or
other third party sites to provide this information as the numbers may have
been mistyped or missed in translation. This can be done intentionally or
unintentionally but either way, it is best to avoid adding a chance for error in
determining the possibility of a winning ticket.
Understand what is considered a winning ticket. Some players do not realize
that they are still a winner if they have only a few matching numbers. While
this may not be the large jackpot of their dreams, it can replace the money
invested in buying the ticket and then some. Also, these little wins can add up
over time or quickly if it occurs often. Pay attention to what numbers match
and make sure to claim a prize if you have won one, no matter how small. It
was earned!
On the other hand, if a lottery ticket is found and there is no name written on
it to aid in returning it to its owner, do not just discard the ticket. It does not
require a large amount of time or effort to check if the ticket has won some
money. The ticket may be a winner, and the holder did not realize it, or it was
lost before they could even check the numbers. It is worth a quick check and
double-checks to make sure there is not something there.
Lottery Scams
People who scam unfortunately attempt to take advantage of the dream’s
people have, including dreams in regards to the lottery. In this instance, what
is important is not winning the lottery, but rather losing it. Fortunately, some
things usually tip off that it is a scammer. Below are tactics to use to protect
oneself;

Notifications of a large lottery win or by major companies are almost


always false. A person will never be notified of a lottery win, it is up to
them to check the draws and determine if they have won.

TIP: Foreign lottery win notifications should also be flagged as


suspicious activity. Restrictions for sale and purchase of foreign lottery
tickets are similar to national restrictions meaning that it is illegal to sell
or buy a ticket across an international border. Unless a person was in
that foreign location and purchased a ticket, this is almost always a
scam.

Check the email a notification was sent with. This is also a way to
determine the validity of a win notification email. Publisher’s Clearing
House and other such organizations will not use a free email account
from Gmail or Hotmail.
TIP: Smaller lotteries and games may do this, but this information
should be provided by that game and can be checked with the company
before responding to a suspicious email.

There is no occasion where a person has won the lottery that did not buy
a ticket or receive it as a gift. If a person did not participate in the game,
they did not win. For those that participate in many lotteries and games,
it can sometimes be confusing if they have played that game at all or
that particular week.

TIP: Keep a filing system for entries into various games, so it is easy to
verify when a notification appears to be legitimate.
TIP 2: If still unsure, contact the lottery company by looking up their
contact information and calling or emailing. Do not use information that
is included in the suspicious email or letter to verify. This information
most likely is wrong and will connect to the scammer instead of the
actual organization. Search on the web to get the contact information
and ask about the email notification and possibility of a win.

Never pay money up front to lottery prize win. The only money that is
invested in winning the actual lottery is the price of the ticket. If
someone is claiming that to receive the winnings a person must first pay
out of their pocket for whatever reason, this is a scam. Charges such as
handling fees, service fees, or special taxes are not associated with
winning the lottery.

TIP: Be aware there is a tax for winning the sweepstakes; however, the
IRS removes this from the winnings before the money is given to the
winner.
International sales of various lottery tickets are often illegal. This can be
offered through internet, mail, or phone. It is not illegal to sell tickets
within the country and across the country’s borders; however, so be
aware of the difference.

TIP: If a sale is occurring in person across the border or with a lottery


from another country it may not be illegal but best to check if it is both
legal and trustworthy prior to purchase.

Purchase tickets from trusted sources like authorized retailers.


If a notification arrives by mail and contains an actual check that can be
cashed, be cautious. This is most often a scam. This check is counterfeit
and cashing it would make the person who cashed it liable for the
fraudulent money. The bank account could be closed, and additional
fines may be imposed as well. If the scam requested money to be wired
to the company to then release the rest of the “winnings” that money is
also typically not going to be returned once the fraud is discovered.

TIP: An affidavit is required for each winner prior to claiming the


money from the win. Funds will not be paid out prior to this being
signed. If one has not been signed and a large check appears along with
a win notification, it is most surely a scam.

It is almost impossible to trace the person who received money through


organizations like Western Union. This is why these are preferred
services for scammers. Similar to a cash transaction, once the money is
paid it is nearly impossible to get it back.

TIP: Legitimate companies to request money do not use wire services,


so in the minimal scenarios where a sponsor does need to be paid, the
transaction will be conducted through different sources.
A new way of obtaining untraceable money is through cards sold from
mass retailers, like Wal-Mart. These cards are referred to “money packs”
and are like Western Union in the sense that once the information is
given to the recipient, there is little chance of the money being returned
when the scam is identified. These work by the sender transferring
money by reading out numbers to the recipient.
A notification that requires a speedy response for no apparent or no
good reason is most likely a scam. The reason for the scammer to
pressure for a quick reply and to act swiftly is because they do not want
the fraud to be discovered before the money is transacted. Again, once
money is given to these people, it is nearly impossible to be returned.
Always take the time to verify the win notification with the company it
is claiming to be from.

TIP: Sometimes a response is required for a deadline, but prior


knowledge and understanding of the deadline should be apparent. For
example, if a company is giving away tickets, the sponsor may need
information prior to the event in which the tickets will be given. This
would be an example of good and apparent reasoning for pressure.

Other scams will ask for credit card or bank information. A credit card
may be requested to "verify personal information" and claim that a
"small" charge may be necessary to accomplish this verification. Bank
account information may be requested to "deposit" the winning amount
directly into the account. Neither of these scenarios is legitimate actions
for lottery games. This information should never be provided to these
people.

TIP: A social security number is required to process the win and is the
only private information that is required from a lottery company. Again,
prior to giving this information out, make sure the one requesting this
information is trustworthy by doing research.
The government is not involved in the notification of a win. If the IRS or
FTC or another official sounding organization sends an email or letter
claiming to be in charge of distributing the prize, it is more than likely a
scam.

TIP: Deal directly with the company that is giving the prize.

A bulk email or an impersonalized letter is another red flag of a scam.


Letters that do not state the person’s name clearly in the communication
most likely used a stock letter to mail to as many people as possible to
increase profit potential while keeping overhead low. Likewise, an email
that arrives as a bulk notification is another indication of a scam.

TIP: If a small company does notify of a win, this will arrive by mail in
a first-class package or using UPS or FedEx services. The package will
also have all the personal information on the communication, avoiding
phrases such as, “Dear sir or madam,” or, “To whom it may concern.”

Typos and poor English are other indicators to watch out for. The reason
this occurs often is that many scams begin with groups outside of the
U.S. and may not speak English well. If it sounds "off," uses odd
language, or has many typos, it is most likely a scam.

TIP: Small typos do occur, and can be the result of a manual clerk entry
or because when filling out information for the drawing the person who
has won wrote it unclearly or incorrectly. But these should be minor
mistakes and occur rarely.

Chapter Highlights:
1. The dream of "winning it big" is typically what draws people to play the
lottery. There are different suggestions big winners have shared to
increase the chances of success that may or may not be found in
mathematics. Other tools used are logic and superstition. The tips in this
chapter include topics such as:

1. Buy a lot of tickets.


2. Pool with others.
3. Choose a lottery with the best odds of winning.
4. Buy a ticket close to the draw date.
5. Enjoy the dream!

2. Keep motivated and “in the game” by remembering the dream and why
the time is being used to improve the odds of winning and the potential
winnings. Do not get distracted and waste money by not playing smart
and not paying attention to the draws.
3. Choosing numbers can be a daunting task, but by following the advice
provided, it can pay out. Some of the tips in this chapter for choosing
numbers are:

1. Avoid using only dates to open up more, underutilized numbers.


2. Avoid “quick picks” and take time to develop a personal set of numbers
that have meaning.
3. Avoid numbers that are consecutive or all end in the same digit.
4. Avoid changing numbers frequently. Choose a set of “lucky” or
meaningful numbers and stick with them.

4. Dreams of winning can turn into nightmares of reality if a person falls


victim to prey of scams. Following the basic tips for identifying scams
can assist in protecting this dream to encourage it to become a reality
one day. Examples of fraudulent behavior to watch out for include:

1. Poor English and typos


2. Notifications of a win are rare and should be researched by finding the
contact information for the company offering the prize through another
source than the notification and contacting them.
3. Do not give out personal information such as credit card details or bank
account access.
4. Do not send or pay out money for a prize.
Conclusion

Thanks for making it through to the end of Lottery, let’s hope it was
informative and able to provide you with all of the tools you need to achieve
your goals whatever they may be.

The next step is to determine which lottery has the best odds in your location,
what your personal numbers are that make up your master list, and what
strategy you want to use to improve the odds of winning the lottery. Write
down why you are going through all this trouble to keep yourself motivated
through this process and have fun, enjoying the excitement of the game!
Apply the math that improves the odds, using and avoiding strategies because
of their history of success or failure, and be smart about the investment into
the lottery.

This is a fun game, but it can cost a lot of money if it is not approached with
care. Purchasing the tickets can be the largest upfront expense, but even
carelessness after a ticket purchase or even win can cost even more. Falling
victim to scams or losing the ticket can be devastating. Imagine having
chosen the jackpot numbers only to have it stolen from you or lost before you
could even claim the glory of the win?

Using the information in this book, you can apply this new knowledge and
expert tips to go after the thrilling dream of “winning it big!”
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Math Behind the Game
Chapter 2: Common Theories for Success
Chapter 3: Methods and Strategies
Chapter 4: Tips for Success
Conclusion

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