Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $50 Million: These Are the Numbers Getting Attention

A Florida player may have recently walked away with the massive $800 million Mega Millions jackpot, but another big opportunity is already here. Players in Georgia and across participating states now have a chance to compete for an estimated $50 million jackpot in the next drawing on Friday, July 31, with a cash option of $21.5 million.

A Few Numbers Are Turning Heads

A study by sports betting media company Action Network looked at 906 Mega Millions drawings dating back to October 2017. Instead of simply counting how many times each number appeared, researchers measured how often each one was drawn compared to its expected probability.

One number clearly stood out.

Luckiest Number So Far

• 10 has been drawn 84 times in the current Mega Millions format.
• According to the study, it appears about 30% more often than expected.
• Looking at results all the way back to 2010, the number 10 ranks as the second-most successful overall.

Top 10 Mega Millions Numbers by Hit Rate

Based on the research, these numbers have performed the best since October 2017:

• 10
• 17
• 31
• 3
• 14
• 38
• 42
• 11
• 43
• 8

The "Dream Ticket"

Using Action Network's five highest-ranked numbers along with assistance from an AI mathematician, researchers created a theoretical combination that represents the strongest historical performers:

10, 17, 31, 3, 14 + Mega Ball 9

While it's an interesting combination, it's important to remember that every Mega Millions ticket has exactly the same chance of winning.

Keep This in Mind

• Every number combination carries identical odds.
• Your chance of hitting the jackpot remains 1 in 302.6 million, regardless of past drawing history.
• Previous winning numbers do not influence future drawings.

Why Past Results Don't Predict the Future

Action Network research analyst Gautham Marthandan explained that numbers appearing more often are usually the result of random chance over many years, not because they're more likely to be drawn again.

He also noted that many players choose birthdays and other low numbers. If a different combination wins, jackpot winners could potentially share the prize with fewer people.

Mega Millions Drawing Information

If you're planning to play, here are the key details:

• Next drawing: Friday, July 31, at approximately 11:00 p.m. EDT
• Ticket sales close: 10:45 p.m. EDT on drawing nights
• Drawings: Every Tuesday and Friday
• Where to buy: Authorized lottery retailers or through the Georgia Lottery's online platform (where available)
• Estimated jackpot: $50 million
• Cash option: $21.5 million