If lightning strikes:
Sign the ticket, photograph both sides, stash it somewhere safe, and assemble a lawyer + CPA + fiduciary advisor before you claim. Check your state’s rules on anonymity and consider claiming via trust/LLC if allowed."

Know the (sobering) math. On a $1B headline jackpot, the cash value is usually ~50% before taxes; after federal (and often state) taxes and the chance of a split, the expected value of a $2 ticket is still typically below $2.

Skip the myths. “Hot”/“due” numbers, numerology, wheel systems—none of it changes the probabilities.

Pools increase hit rate, not payout. Office/friend pools raise your chance that someone in the pool wins, but you’ll share the prize. If you do this, use a written agreement, list contributors, and photo every ticket.