Decide whether or not you want to choose your own numbers. You can ask for (or choose at the vending machine) “ a “Quick Pick” — which means that the computer will generate them for you. Or you can choose your own — using the form. For Powerball, chose 5 numbers between one and 69, blackening in the bubbles on the form for each number that you choose. You’ll then choose one Powerball number between one and 26. To win the jackpot you have to have all 6 numbers. There are also smaller prizes for having fewer matches.

Good Luck!

How to buy online? I'm too embarrassed to buy lottery tickets in person. And wouldn't know how anyway.

If you’re going the in-person route, try this.
1. Enter store
2. Locate customer service (tip: you’ll see a lottery display and old people hanging aroubd it).
3. Wait until it’s your turn on line. Sometimes, you may need to wait behind a big line of potbellied oddballs (I’m in flyover country).
4. Wait for the clerk to say, “Can I help you?” or mumbled words to that effect.
5. Answer by saying, “yes, I’d like to buy [insert number] Powerball tickets.”
6. Here’s where it gets tricky. You may be asked if you want to add a multiplier. Up to you. * I think this applies to Piwerball.
7. Hand cash to clerk.
8. Wait for ticket and change, if any.
9. Take custody of ticket[s].
10. Feel like a fool when the person you bought them for wins the billion dollar prize.

Anonymous wrote:Hey everyone it’s Bad at Math Tax Day!!!

Well the cash option is $550 million and the odds of the jackpot are 1 in 292 million (although the odds of winning any prize are 1 in 25) so do your own math

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hey everyone it’s Bad at Math Tax Day!!!

I am really good at math but I sometimes buy a lottery ticket.

Do you know why? Because in between buying the ticket and the draw I get to imagine what my life will be like when I win. Rationally I know the chance is almost infinitesimally low, but $2 is a small price to pay for a little fantasy and escapism.

This is me too. I feel like I am paying for the chance to dream a little.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hey everyone it’s Bad at Math Tax Day!!!

I am really good at math but I sometimes buy a lottery ticket.

Do you know why? Because in between buying the ticket and the draw I get to imagine what my life will be like when I win. Rationally I know the chance is almost infinitesimally low, but $2 is a small price to pay for a little fantasy and escapism.

This is me. I do statistics for a living. But you know what? We learned in grad school that utility (aka happiness including fantasy and escapism) is also valuable, and while it’s hard to put a value on these it’s probably more than $2. As long as you aren’t gambling the house…:

This. I consider a lottery ticket purchase to be part of my entertainment budget, not a financial investment. I only buy one every 5-10 years, so I’m not going broke.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hey everyone it’s Bad at Math Tax Day!!!

I am really good at math but I sometimes buy a lottery ticket.

Do you know why? Because in between buying the ticket and the draw I get to imagine what my life will be like when I win. Rationally I know the chance is almost infinitesimally low, but $2 is a small price to pay for a little fantasy and escapism.

Ditto! I have never bought a coffee... I hate the taste. Nor do I buy any other beverages. So I think paying just $2 for a big dream is worth it.