Five strategies for winning, including lucky numbers

IT may take more than luck to win big these days, at least according to some lottery experts.

Richard Lustig is the author of Learn How To Increase Your Chances Of Winning The Lottery, and is also a huge winner.

Richard, who passed in 2018, won over $1million playing seven Florida jackpots.

Though he's passed, his strategies are still used by many.

In 2016, Richard told MLive.com that in order to win big, you need a plan of action.

"There's so many people out there playing the lottery that don't know how to play the lottery. They're doing it all wrong," Richard told MLive.com.

Below are five of his strategies.

1. Create a budget

The first and possibly most important tip for playing is to not overspend. "Don't get caught in lottery fever. Don't spend rent money, don't spend grocery money," Richard told MLive.com.

He also stressed that even though some players win, there are millions of people who lose.

2. Avoid quick picks

Strategy takes time and effort - this includes ticket buying.

It's best to steer clear from the easy picks, despite the convenience.

This is because a computer is doing the picking for you.

Richard suggests playing the same numbers as your odds actually grow each time you lose.

3. Skip special dates

It's best to avoid playing birthdays and anniversary dates as it may be significant to you, but not the game.

When playing Mega Millions, the numbers to choose from are 1 through 75.

So those playing specific dates are actually decreasing the amount of numbers to choose from.

4. Keep your numbers

This next tip plays off of the last.

Richard comments in his book that each time you switch up your numbers, it's like you're starting all over.

You're playing at your lowest odds because you don't have any clue if the numbers work or not. Once you find numbers that win, stick to them.

5. Play in lottery pools

Joining other people's lottery pools can be a great way to increase your odds.

You may need to share your winnings, but you're still winning.

The things to remember when joining a pool is that you're playing with people you trust and that rules are clear.