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Mega Millions jackpot rises to $1.25 billion: How can I win it? Tips, odds…

The Mega Millions jackpot has risen to $1.25 billion. Here are some tips on how to increase your chances of winning, as well as the odds of hitting it big.

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The Mega Millions jackpot continues to grow!

After not registering any winner during Tuesday’s draw, the accumulated pot has grown, standing at $1.25 billion, with the option of collecting $625.3 million in cash.

The next Mega Millions drawing will be held on Friday, August 4, at 8 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. CT / 11 p.m. ET. If you are interested in buying a ticket for a shot at being a billionaire, below are some tips, as well as the odds you have of winning the jackpot.

READ ALSO: When and where to buy Mega Millions lottery tickets

Mega Millions jackpot rises to $1.25 billion: How can I win it? Tips, odds…

In each Mega Millions draw, people must choose six numbers from 1 to 70, corresponding to the white balls, and one number from 1 to 25 for the golden ball, also known as the Mega Ball. To win the jackpot, you must hit all five numbers plus the Mega Ball. The probability of this happening is 1 in 302,575,350.

While some people recommend mixing odd and even numbers when buying a ticket, as well as high and low numbers, the reality is that statistically, some numbers appear more than others. Experts recommend going for these.

According to the history of Lotto Numbers, from September 6, 1996 to August 1, 2023, the white ball numbers that have appeared the most are: 31, 17 , 46, 20 and 10; while the most repeated in the Mega Ball are 9, 15, 3, 10 and 1.

In addition to choosing numbers favored by statistics, another tip to win the jackpot is to avoid choosing a combination of numbers that have already won, as well as choosing chains or patterns.

READ ALSO: Twice a week Mega Millions can change someone’s fortunes

More tickets = more chances of winning

Because the Mega Millions, just like any lottery, is a game of chance, the best way to increase your chances of winning is simply to buy more tickets. So, if the probability of your winning the jackpot is 1 in 302,575,350 with one ticket, it becomes 2 in 302,575,350 if you buy two.

But keep in mind that although you’ve mathematically increased your odds of winning, the probability of taking home the jackpot remains infinitesimal, and that it would take a significant amount of money to increase your chances significantly.

If you are just looking to win any kind of payout at all, your best bet would be to buy several tickets with a different Mega Ball number on each of them. Matching the winning Mega Ball is the most likely way that you will get a return on your money.

Other prizes to win

While everyone is looking to hit the jackpot, you should keep in mind that there are nine different ways to win, from two dollars to the jackpot. Here are all the possible ways to win in Mega Millions, and the odds that you will.

Mega Millions: prizes and odds of winning

  • Five balls and the Mega Ball – jackpot (1 in 302,575,350 chance)
  • Five balls - $1,000,000 (1 in 12,607,306)
  • Four balls and the Mega Ball - $10,000 (1 in 931,001)
  • Four balls - $500 (1 in 38,792)
  • Three balls and the Mega Ball – $200 (1 in 14,547)
  • Three balls - $10 (1 in 606)
  • Two balls and the Mega Ball - $10 (1 in 693)
  • One ball and the Mega Ball - $4 (1 in 89)
  • The Mega Ball - $2 (1 in 37)

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