Which Mega Millions numbers are the luckiest?
At 302,575,350-to-1, the odds of winning the Mega Millions are pretty long, to say the least. Heck, you are more likely to get struck by lightning than win the lottery.
But is there any edge based on the numbers you play or where you play?
New York and California, among the highest populated states, have won the most Mega Millions jackpots.
What about the numbers? Are any of the numbers luckier than others? While the drawing is random, some numbered balls do roll down the clear plastic tube more often than others.
The Mega Millions switched to its current format of 70 white balls and 25 gold Mega Balls on Oct. 28, 2017. So let's take a look at the most and least frequently drawn numbers since that date.
What are the luckiest Mega Millions numbers?
Here is a look at the most frequently drawn numbers since Oct. 28, 2017, according to the Wisconsin Lottery's frequency tracker:
10 - Drawn 63 times
3 - Drawn 63 times
17 - Drawn 62 times
31 - Drawn 59 times
14 - Drawn 59 times
46 - Drawn 59 times
15 - Drawn 58 times
8 - Drawn 58 times
64 - Drawn 58 times
29 - Drawn 56 times
38 - Drawn 56 times
20 - Drawn 55 times
59 - Drawn 53 times
44 - Drawn 53 times
58 - Drawn 53 times
11 - Drawn 53 times
42 - Drawn 53 times
Lucky? These are the states with the most Mega Millions jackpot winners
Unluckiest Mega Millions numbers?
Here are the least drawn numbers in the Mega Millions since Oct. 28, 2017:
65 - Drawn 35 times
49 - Drawn 35 times
51 - Drawn 36 times
50 - Drawn 38 times
23 - Drawn 39 times
35 - Drawn 39 times
21 - Drawn 40 times
67 - Drawn 40 times
55 - Drawn 40 times
60 - Drawn 40 times
5 - Drawn 40 times
63 - Drawn 41 times
56 - Drawn 41 times
36 - Drawn 41 times
What Mega Ball is luckiest?
Here is a look at the most commonly drawn Mega Balls since Oct. 28, 2017:
11 - Drawn 37 times
22 - Drawn 37 times
18 - Drawn 34 times
24 - Drawn 34 times
13 - Drawn 33 times
4 - Drawn 31 times
25 - Drawn 31 times
When is next Mega Millions drawing?
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m.
How do I play Mega Millions?
The cost is $2 per ticket, but you can add the Megaplier for $1, which will increase the amount of your potential prize up to five times the original prize (except for the jackpot).
Each player selects five numbers from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 25 for the Mega Ball. However, you can also have the lottery machine generate a random Quick Pick for you. You don't need to be a U.S. citizen or a resident a particular state where you purchase your ticket.
How many balls do I need to match for Mega Millions prize?
You can win $2 for the matching just one - the Mega Ball. Short of the jackpot, you can win up to $1 million for matching all five white balls (except in California) to the jackpot for matching all six balls. You can check all the prize payouts on the Mega Millions site here.
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Where is the Mega Millions available?
You can play the game in 45 states plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The states not offering Mega Millions are: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah.
Lucky? These are the states with the most Mega Millions jackpot winners
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
What is deadline for buying Mega Millions tickets?
In New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, tickets must be purchased by 10:45 p.m. on the Tuesday and Friday to be included in that night's drawing.
However, some states have different deadlines and can be more than an hour before the drawing. Check with your local lottery so you don't miss out.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Which Mega Millions lottery numbers are drawn most frequently?