Money WondersPlay

Risk, Insurance & ProbabilityLotteries

The Lottery Is Worth a Shot

A Powerball ticket loses money on average

It's only $2, and somebody has to win. So why does every Powerball ticket lose money on average?

You'll find out

  • Your real odds of the jackpot
  • What a lifetime of tickets returns
  • Where the rest of the money goes

Why it matters

In fiscal 2024, state lotteries sold $104.7 billion of tickets. The math shows what each $2 really buys.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 77 · Zone 9

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