Why Do People Play the Lottery?

Do you play the lottery? You've probably heard all the negative points of playing (like, the odds are against you, for example), but for many people it's a fun way to dream to each week. What would you buy if you could win?

By: Cherie Burbach

August 15, 2012

How to Win the Lottery

Lots of people have theories on how to win the lottery. Richard Lustig, who has won the lottery seven times, says to: "Avoid Quick-Pick lottery cards where the numbers are pre-selected. Buy at least 10 tickets. Play in lottery pools. Don't throw away your losing tickets — after all, there's always next time for your numbers."

Others say pooling your money with others is a good way to win (although I suspect it might get tricky dividing the money if you do win), and still others swear by quick picks. Some only buy when the lottery jackpot is huge, and others when it isn't (thinking that less people are playing so they'll have better odds.)

Aaron Abrams, a mathematician at Emory University, says that "The only trick there is that you can't increase your odds of winning."

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