The Powerball jackpot is now worth $1 billion, but bettors’ odds of winning are slim.
The pot rose from $922 million after there were no winners in Monday’s drawing for the grand prize. For $2, those who want a shot at winning the jackpot can get one ticket. The odds of winning are 1 in 292.2 million, according to Harvard University statistician Mark Glickman.
The odds of winning $1 million are 1 in 11.7 million.
If someone matches winning numbers selected at Wednesday night’s drawing, the pot will be the third-largest in Powerball history and seventh-highest in U.S. lottery history.
Beyond purchasing multiple tickets, there’s little players can do to improve those odds, according to betting experts. Certainly, it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll win the big prize, but chances are also slim that you’ll win even a few bucks.
“Even if you’re buying 50 tickets, the likelihood is that you’re almost certain to still lose and not win the jackpot,” Glickman told CBS News. “In fact, the chance at winning even $4 by playing is still pretty small.”
Indeed, the odds of winning $4 — just twice the cost of a ticket — are 1 in 38.32.
As for winning the entire pot, Powerball players are significantly more likely to be attacked by a grizzly bear at Yellowstone National Park (1 in 2.7 million), according to the National Park Service, or to come across a rare blue lobster in the ocean (1 in 2 million).
The odds of being struck by lighting are even higher at 1 in 15,300, according to the National Weather Service.
Can I improve my odds?
Still, for those who feel adamant about giving it a shot, the best number-picking strategy is not to pick figures associated with significant events like a birthday, for example.
Instead, use the computer’s strategy for generating winning digits: Choose them randomly, or use a ticket number generator, Glickman said.
“Really the best thing you can do is be level-headed about it [and] not buy too many tickets because you’re throwing away your money,” he said. “The key is to pick your picks at random because that will lower your chances of splitting the money with other people.”