How to Handle the Tricky Extra Ball

Last updated on February 13, 2024

The extra ball is where a lot of lotto players fumble around. This article will give you the best idea of handling bonus numbers.

One example of a lottery system with an extra number is the Powerball, where you must match five primary balls and one additional power ball. Hence, the U.S. Powerball is described as the 5/69 + 1 system.

Another example is the EuroMillions, where winning the grand prize requires matching two lucky stars aside from matching five main numbers. A system like this is a 5/50 + 2 system.¹

These kinds of lottery systems come with a huge jackpot, apparently to attract more ticket sales.

When writing this, The U.S. Powerball is posted at 230 Million estimated jackpot.

Unfortunately, the colossal prize doesn’t come out as a giveaway goodie, as you need to face the monumental odds to win. It’s easy to imagine yourself as a winner, but making it happen is difficult.

The math says it all—winning the grand prize in a lottery where the extra ball is drawn from another drum is like wishing for a miracle.

So, is there hope of winning?

Of course, there is.

Again, let’s consult the wisdom of probability theory.

I want you to review the data table below from the official Powerball website. See if you can spot an opportunity.

Sure, the second prize may not be attractive compared to the grand prize but notice the huge difference in the odds between the two.

Grand Prize (1 to 292 million) VERSUS the second prize (1 to 11 million)

The odds tell you exactly the difference between what is likely impossible and realistically achievable.²

Notice that the odds of winning the second prize are much easier than hitting the grand prize.

Let me ask you a question.

Is a prize of One Million not enough for you?

I don’t know about you, but for me, this prize is big enough to change your life.

For some players, the grand prize is what motivates them to play. But let me give you a tip. Aiming for the second prize might as well lead you to win the grand prize.

The main point is simple. When you play your favorite lottery, look at the route where you can easily manage the odds in your favor. Read on: The Winning Lottery Formula Using Math

This concept applies to all the lotteries.

To make winning much more probable, use a calculator that generates the best combinations for you to play.³

However, not all lottery calculators are created equally. Use the one that makes use of combinatorics and probability theory.⁴

Note that we don’t include the extra balls in the probability analysis because these balls are drawn from a separate drum.

If your favorite lottery has an extra ball, choose the calculator that follows the format of the primary balls.

For example, a 5/69+1 lottery game will require the 5/69 calculator.

For a 5/50+2 Game, choose the 5/50 calculator.

Here’s how the lotterycodex calculators work to help you win in your chosen lotto game.

Thank you for reading. Don’t forget to read my other articles about lottery games:

Lottery Wheel: A Clever Mathematical Strategy That Works

How to Win the Lottery According to Math

Lottery Calculator: A Mathematical Guide Beyond Number Selection

A lottery game is not an investment. Please play for fun.

Questions and Answers

Additional Resources

1. All You Need To Know About EuroMillions    [↩]
2. Odds and Probability Explained in the Context of a Lottery Game    [↩]
3. A Lottery Number Generator That Works    [↩]
4. The Winning Lottery Formula Using Math    [↩]