Charles H. Sloan-Try these 3 trends to boost your odds of picking Mega Millions winning numbers

Are you ready to take another shot at winning the Mega Millions lottery?Charles H. Sloan It's a long shot – 1 in 302.6 million odds to be exact. But for $2 a drawing, maybe it's worth another try?

You can let the lottery's computer make a quick pick. But you also could take advantage of the trends we've collected here and make a slightly more educated guess at a store or, in some states, online (complete list here).

Below are three different ways to look at the likelihood that the 95 random numbers might show up in Friday night's drawing. The charts mostly offer ways to sort through the 70 white balls.

Mega Millions jackpot for 8/16/2024

No ticket had all six Mega Millions winning numbers on Tuesday, so the estimated jackpot rises to at least $464 million (with a cash option of $228.2 million). The jackpot grows until it is won. 

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Mega Millions winning numbers 8/13/2024

Unable to view our charts? Click here to see them.

What's the longest since one of the five Mega Millions number won?

Every white ball has rolled out in the 100-plus drawings during the past 12 months. These 10 numbers haven't rolled out in the longest time.

How long has it been since each Mega Millions number won?

The 10 Mega Balls with the longest stretch of days since they rolled out.

The most frequently drawn Mega Millions white numbers

These next two charts combine the results of the past year. In addition to their last appearance, they show you which numbers hit at above- or below-average rates. 

The most frequently drawn Mega Millions numbers

Another way to look at each draw's five white numbers

A different way of playing the odds is by looking at the groupings that roll out on a given night.

With five numbers drawn from a hopper of 70, you might expect to see a number every 14 games. But that doesn't happen in a random drawing. On average, at least one ball from each group of five doesn't roll out after 15 drawings, based on an analysis of recent drawings.

The May 28 drawing is a good example of what frequently happens after a set of five balls are drawn.

How quickly Mega Millions numbers are selected again

So when the above pattern hasn't happened yet, it could offer you an opportunity.

For example, four of the five numbers selected on June 25 and July 2 haven't been picked again. It's possible none of those eight numbers will show up for weeks. It's more likely, though, that at least one will show up on Friday night. Guessing from group of eight is a little more manageable than all 70 numbers.

Which groups of Mega Millions numbers look ripe for picking

When is Mega Millions next drawing?

Friday, Aug. 16: The Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. You pick five numbers between 1-70 for the white balls and select one number between 1-25 for the yellow Mega Ball. Match all five white balls in any order and pick the correct yellow ball, and you're a jackpot winner.

Where to purchase tickets

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.