Lottery Odds, Simply Explained
Independence, patterns, and filters.
Jackpot odds comparison
| Game | Jackpot Odds | Any Prize |
|---|---|---|
| Powerball | 1 in 292,201,338 | 1 in 24.9 |
| Mega Millions | 1 in 302,575,350 | 1 in 24 |
| CA SuperLotto Plus | 1 in 41,416,353 | 1 in 23 |
Click a game name to see full prize tier breakdown.
Quick summary
A draw has no memory.
Patterns you notice do not predict the next draw.
Filters change presentation, not your chance to win.
Key terms
Probability
How likely something is to happen.
Independent events
One result does not affect the next.
Filter
Grouping numbers (even/odd, high/low, sums) without changing odds.
Independence of draws
Every draw stands alone. Even after a streak of results, the next one keeps the same probability.
P(A and B) = P(A) × P(B) Rule for independent events.
Gambler’s fallacy
Common myths that mislead players:
- “7 hasn’t shown up, so it’s due.”
- “We had five evens, so an odd is coming.”
- “The jackpot is overdue.”
None of these change the odds.
Patterns and filters
Filters like even/odd balances or hot/cold numbers reshape the look of your picks but cannot beat randomness. Use them for fun or structure, not prediction.
Even/Odd filters
Limit how many evens you allow to make tickets feel balanced.
Hot/Cold filters
Highlight frequently or rarely drawn numbers—without changing odds.
Takeaways
- Each draw is independent.
- Patterns are fun, not predictive.
- Use filters to keep tickets organized, not to chase certainty.