For many, the dream of "winning it big" is enough to persuade them to buy a scratch-off from their local convenience store. It's fun and entertaining to imagine how to spend a big jackpot. But only a tiny percentage of players will win a top prize. But don't be discouraged. Pick‑A‑Ticket has studied state lotteries for years. We have compiled this list of tips to help you get the most from your hard-earned dollars on scratch-offs.
This post is Part 1 of the 3-part "Playing the Lottery Smarter Series." It focuses on the activities you control when buying scratch-offs. Part 2 Scratch-Off Tactics That Lotteries Use will focus on how lotteries design and sell the games to you. Finally, Part 3 Pick‑A‑Ticket Will Have You Playing the Lottery Smarter will focus on how a tool can ease some challenges from Parts 1 and 2.
Know Your Budget
The dream of how to spend a big jackpot is entertaining. So, your scratch-off money should come from your entertainment budget. Every individual or household has a different amount that is right for them. The important thing here is to know what amount is right for you and never to spend more than that.
Know the Odds
This step can be tough on your own. Most states have dozens to over a 100 games active daily. They establish different odds for each game at the time of printing. Each game's odds can be very different. This includes both the odds of winning any prize and the odds of winning a top prize.
Also, since the odds are set at printing, they change as prizes are claimed. Most players would avoid a scratch-off with all its top prizes claimed. Despite the odds printed on the ticket, the actual odds for a top prize may be zero.
The good news is that most states post claimed prize info on their websites. The Pick‑A‑Ticket app aims to solve "knowing the odds" by using the info made available by the lotteries. Every player should use this information, even if they choose not to use Pick‑A‑Ticket.
Purchasing in the Store
Once you know your budget and which games to buy (based on their odds), you can do a few things to improve your experience while buying them:
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Talk to the clerk.
Check for recent major prize winners in the game you're considering. If there have been any, avoid buying a ticket off the same roll as the previous winner. "Rolls" are also known as "packs." Most states use controlled prize distribution. This means the winning tickets' placement during printing isn't completely random. This can cap significant prize-winning tickets at one per roll.
Also, double-check the name, ticket front, and/or game number of the game you want to buy. Make sure it matches the game you've researched. Many states will use the same game name over and over again if it's popular.
You can learn more about controlled prize distribution and same-named games in our next post, Scratch-Off Tactics That Lotteries Use (Part 2).
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You should check all your tickets before leaving the store.
Scratch-off tickets, or instant games, can be claimed right away. Other lottery or draw games make you wait for the numbers to be drawn.
Every day, thousands of dollars in winning tickets go unclaimed. There are several reasons for this. Maybe the player doesn't think it's worth it. Or they are too lazy or forget to claim a winning ticket. Maybe the game is too confusing, and they don't know they won. Or maybe they never even scratched the ticket off.
Using the self-service scanner to verify whether a ticket is a winner.
Many lottery locations even provide self-service barcode scanners to check your tickets. So, there is little excuse not to check the tickets, even those that you think you've lost. You played to win; don't just give them your money.
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Buy one game at a time and quit if you're ever ahead.
Consider a scenario where you plan on spending $20 and purchasing four $5 tickets. Let's assume that the outcome of those four tickets is: two are non-winners, one wins $5, and one wins $20. If you bought all four tickets at once, congratulations, you've won $25 and are $5 ahead of where you started. But what if the first ticket on that roll had been the $20 winner? You could have quit with $15 more than you started with.
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Consider entering 2nd Chance drawings.
Some states let players enter their non-winning tickets into a drawing for an extra top prize. Often, the odds of winning the drawing are better than the odds of winning a top-prize ticket from a retailer.
To enter the drawings, visit your state's lottery website. It will say if it's an option in your state. Then, follow their instructions to create an account or download their app. Then, enter the info from your losing tickets.
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Use a tool like Pick‑A‑Ticket.
It doesn't have to be hard. We designed Pick‑A‑Ticket for customers to use in the store while standing in the checkout line. Learn more about all the ways Pick‑A‑Ticket Will Have You Playing the Lottery Smarter (Part 3).
Play Responsibly
Never think of playing the lottery as a way to make money. Trust us, we've run the numbers and these games will never be a source of income. By design, there are always more losing tickets than winning tickets. So, don't assume that you can earn back the money you've lost.
Gambling is not for children; make sure that you are of legal age in your state before playing.
Know when to stop and know when to ask for help.
If you or a loved one has a gambling addiction, please contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at ncpgambling.org or call (800) 522-4700.
Play Smarter
Following these tips, understanding Scratch-Off Tactics That Lotteries Use (Part 2), leveraging the features from a tool like Pick‑A‑Ticket Will Have You Playing the Lottery Smarter (Part 3), and make the most of your fun and entertaining scratch-off experience.
Good Luck!