Whether you’re playing the lottery or you haven’t yet decided to try your hand at it, here are a few tips to help you win the game. The first signs of a lottery date back to the Chinese Han Dynasty, when keno slips were used.
First recorded signs of a lottery are keno slips from the Chinese Han Dynasty
Thousands of years before the earliest official lottery was held in England, lottery games were already in use in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The earliest known lotteries involved tickets for sale with prizes in the form of money. In ancient Greece, a stone slab with slots was used to select winners in election contests.
The first official lottery in Europe was held in Rome in 12 BC, during the reign of Emperor Augustus. He used the lottery to raise money for rebuilding the city’s infrastructure. He also gave the winners prizes of unequal value.
Most common numbers to pick
Despite the plethora of lottery games in our fair city, the Powerball is still the undisputed champ. A lucky few can score big in the land of 10,000 or more players, a la Powerball Powerball. The big draw is the elusive mega jackpot, the luck of the draw, and of course the ol’ reliable. Most states have more than one lottery a day, so be prepared to play your cards right. If you are playing the Powerball, you have a shot at winning, assuming you don’t buy the ticket for your wife, of course. Considering that you are likely to play the Powerball more than once a week, you should have no problem picking the top prize.
Chances of winning a Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot
Whether you are buying a Powerball or Mega Millions ticket, you need to understand the odds. A Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot is a lot less likely to hit than a coin flip, 25 times in a row, or being elected President of the United States.
For example, the odds of winning a $4 prize are 9 in 10. You can purchase a Powerball or Mega Millions ticket at any gas station, convenience store, or grocery store. If you are lucky enough to win a jackpot, you can choose between a lump sum payment or annuity.
Scamming
Often, lottery scams target older adults. Scammers use social engineering tactics to lure victims into a vulnerable state of mind. They also use fantasy prizes to steal from victims.
One way lottery scams target consumers is through mail. These scams include letters, circulars, and payments for lottery tickets. Some lottery scams also make use of bogus checks.
Scammers are also active on social media. They may post a message claiming that they are from a trusted source, or may threaten victims with bodily harm. If you are suspicious of a lottery scam, report it to the FTC.