Lottery is a popular pastime with millions of Americans playing each week, contributing to billions in total jackpot prizes. But what’s the best way to maximize your chances of winning? Many players choose significant dates like birthdays or family ages as their lucky numbers. However, Harvard statistics professor Mark Glickman says these numbers are more likely to be picked by other lottery players as well, and you’d have a smaller chance of winning if you do that.

He recommends using Quick Picks, which are generated by the computer to be more random. You can also increase your odds by buying more than one ticket. Just make sure to mix up your numbers so you don’t repeat the same ones on each ticket. Another common mistake is grouping your numbers together, which reduces the odds of winning.

In addition to the jackpot prize, lottery winners are subject to federal income taxes, which in the US means 24 percent of your winnings. Winners can choose between a lump sum payment or an annuity, which pays out the prize in annual installments.

While the odds of winning are low, many people still play for the improbable chance of changing their lives. And it’s hard to argue that there’s anything wrong with that, since lottery revenues contribute to state budgets and education. But it’s worth considering whether it makes sense for governments to promote such a vice, especially when it disproportionately affects poor communities.