Powerball question

[skitzo444]

If one were to play the Powerball for a long time would they play the same set of numbers every week or pick a new random set of numbers every week? I am not saying birthdays or anything like that crap but is there an advantage to picking random numbers every week or using the same set of random numbers forever.

[UATrewqaz]

It makes no difference whatsoever what set of numbers you play or the frequency of which you play them

8 17 25 28 42 47

is just as likely as

1 2 3 4 5 6

and just as likely as any other random collection if 6 numbers 1-50 (I believe that's powerball rules right?)

Each drawing is an independent trial.

[SheetWise]

[ QUOTE ]
It makes no difference whatsoever what set of numbers you play or the frequency of which you play them


[/ QUOTE ]
It makes no difference on your probability of winning -- it does make a difference on the value of a win. Several studies have shown that players who have "regular" numbers use birth and anniversary dates -- so the numbers 1 through 31 are played more frequently. When smaller numbers are drawn, there are more frequent wins -- when larger numbers are drawn, wins are less frequent. There are fewer split jackpots (multiple winners) when larger numbers are drawn.

[Siegmund]

Any combination is equally likely to be drawn as the winner.

However, some combinations are more likely than others to be bought by other players causing you to split the prize. You can significantly improve your EV by playing "unpopular" numbers -- avoiding traditional 'lucky numbers' and birthdays.

If you do your own research and discover which six numbers are least popular, you should play those six every week to minimize your chance of a split. (If, however, you find a published list of which numbers are least popular, then you have a new meta-game, wondering how many other people found that same list and are playing bottom six off the list...)