Lotto expert shares how to increase your chances of winning by playing online

THE introduction of online lottery lines changed how people play and win money.

For years, people rushed to the corner store to get their lottery tickets before the deadline.

2

Today, people can play from the comfort of their homes on apps and online.

There are several benefits of playing online, revealed Thomas Metzger, CEO of Lotto.com.

He has been in the lottery and gaming industries for over 23 years and was the youngest vice president at Scientific Games, a company that has led the lottery industry in innovative gaming.

Players can use Lotto.com in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, and Texas, but the company hopes to expand.

They can order tickets from anywhere in the state, making it perfect for lotto players in rural areas.

There is no need to check your numbers, as winners are automatically notified.

Playing online also removed any discrepancy in ticket ownership.

Edwin Castro, the famous winner of a historic $2 billion Powerball jackpot, has been embroiled in a legal battle over the ownership of his ticket.

Jose Rivera, another Los Angeles local, is suing Castro, claiming he cashed in a ticket he stole from him.

The California Lottery is supporting Castro with photographs of the ticket and surveillance footage of him buying it.

Rivera remains unfazed by the alleged evidence and has charged ahead with his lawsuit.

Arguments over who deserves the money can also occur within lottery pools and between significant others.

WHAT ARE YOUR DIGITS?

Metzger said that using your loved ones’ birthdays as your lottery numbers can actually hurt your chances of winning.

Since months only go to 12, and the days stop at 31, numbers out of that range are usually overlooked.

“Since all numbers obviously have the same probability of being drawn, picked a combination of numbers both above and under 31 increases your chances of winning the big prize,” he said.

“The easiest way to accomplish this is by choosing the Quick Pick option.”

How to get started on Lotto.com

Players must verify their identity and age to start playing on Lotto.com.

The “Know Your Customer” protocols ensure that players can buy lottery tickets in their jurisdiction.

They can start playing right away and buy official state lottery tickets in:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Minnesota
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Oregon

The company hopes to expand to additional states in the near future.

BIG WINNER

Online lottery players have already taken home historic jackpots.

A lucky player in Colorado won $3 million on a digital scratch-off.

The Lotto.com customer wished to remain anonymous when picking up her prize from a Monopoly 500X scratch-off.

“I couldn’t believe that after two minutes of realizing I won the top prize, I received a call from Lotto.com letting me know they were on their way with the ticket,” she said.

“They are wonderful! I love the convenience of Lotto.com, especially because I live in a mountain town, and sometimes it’s difficult to get to the store with the weather conditions.”

Another lottery winner scored $1 million, but only took home a third of the prize.

And lottery officials are asking players to check their tickets as a $1 million prize remains unclaimed.

Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing 
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling online.