When I turned 18, I decided to buy a scratch-off card from my local gas station just for the heck of it. I was finally old enough to taste the thrill of the gamble, but it wasn't my lucky day.
Apparently, I just didn't know the tricks of the trade that others have used to rake in the dough from their state lotteries over the years. I'm not talking about the exceptionally blessed folks who manage to pick the right Power Ball numbers. Rather, I'm referring to those who try their hand at the stacks of colorful scratch-off cards lining the shelves of most convenience-store registers.
Like any other gamble, there are patterns you can pick up on if you pay close enough attention. You're still taking a risk, of course, but there are definitely ways to tip the scratch-off lottery odds in your favor.
Have you ever used any of the methods below to help you win some cold cash? Do you have any other tips we didn't find?
Let us know in the comments, and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
1. Buy In Bulk
Whether you're buying 10 at a time or taking the whole roll home with you, keeping your eye on the prize on one specific game increases your odds of hitting the big win.
2. Choose Your Store Wisely
Every scratch-off aficionado has their own set of superstitions when it comes to where they purchase their cards, but it's best to go with a place that doesn't see a lot of action on the lotto so that you have less folks standing between you and cash.
3. The Cheaper The Ticket, The Worse The Odds
Similar to slot machines where you have to play big to win big, lottos tend to save the high dollar winnings for those willing to shell out a little extra in order to play.
4. Losing Tickets Get You Closer To A Win
Don't be frustrated if the first few (or more than few) cards are duds — that just means the winner is hopefully still lurking in the back of your pile somewhere. Each scratched card brings you closer to the win!
5. Check Your State's Website
You don't want to buy a ton of cards for a game only to check online and realize the biggest prizes have already been claimed, so make sure to look before even heading out to the store.
6. Pick Newer Games First
The website will also let you know when they introduce a new game so you can be first in line to claim all the fresh new prizes — as long as you get to the store fast enough, of course. You still have a chance at real money as long as those larger prizes are still in play, which isn't always the case with older games.
7. Check The Odds
You might think they try to keep the odds secret, but they're actually printed right on the back of every single ticket. You can even ask the cashier at the store to let you know what it says before you purchase. Go with games that have better odds.
8. Keep An Eye On Your Competition
For those who are super dedicated to striking it rich, try to linger around the store where you plan on buying to watch others revealing their own luck.
If you see someone win, it's probably best to try a different game or store. On the other hand, if you see a string of losses, it's time to buy up as much of that card as you can and hope for the winner.
9. Hold On To Losing Tickets
It's tempting to toss them away after you've been disappointed, but several games (including scratch-offs) hold second-chance lottos where you can send in the dud and still win some cash.
You should also have the cashier scan them in case you overlooked winnings. It might not be the big prize, but you could be in store for at least a little cash to keep you going for the next round.
Did we miss any tips you or someone you know has used to win big? Let us know below, and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
