How to Win the Lottery Without Paying a Hidden Tax

The lottery was born of a need to expand state social safety nets in the immediate post-World War II period, when states needed to fund new programs without imposing especially onerous taxes on middle- and working-class families. At the same time, lotteries began to attract people who wanted to eschew paying taxes for a chance to get rich quick—an arrangement that some have called a “hidden tax.”

While there are plenty of irrational gamblers out there who spend $50 or $100 a week on lottery tickets, we’ve also seen countless examples of committed lottery players who go in clear-eyed about the odds. They know that there’s a good chance they won’t win, but they’ve come to the conclusion that it’s their last, best, or only hope at a better life.

In the end, state governments use lottery proceeds to pay for a variety of services, including education and roads. But because they’re not a visible part of the budget, consumers don’t always see them as a hidden tax, even when it costs them billions each year.

The best way to increase your chances of winning is to diversify your number selections, choosing numbers that are not confined to the same groups or those ending in similar digits. Buying more tickets can also improve your chances of hitting the jackpot. Avoid playing numbers that have sentimental value, like those associated with your birth date, since others will likely have the same strategy.