What are the six most common lottery numbers?

The Powerball estimated jackpot topped $1.2 billion after no winning tickets were sold Monday. 

What are the six most common numbers drawn for the Powerball jackpot?

According to USA Mega, which collects data since October 2015, the five most popular numbers are 61, 32, 21, 63, and 36. The most popular Powerball number is 18.

Here are the least popular numbers for those contrarians in the crowd: 13, 34, 49, 29, and 26. The least popular Powerball number is 15.

It pays to live in Indiana, compared with Illinois. According to USA Mega, the lump sum payout for Hoosiers would be an estimated $330 million after taxes, compared with $320 million in Illinois. Your tax burden may vary depending on your deductions and how you dispense your winnings. That means getting a good attorney. 

The difference in state taxes accounts for the difference. 

Choosing your numbers or letting the computer do it doesn't change your odds of winning, which are astronomically high, 1 in 292 million.

The Powerball drawings are held Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 9:59 p.m., Chicago time. 

These insane jackpots are becoming more common. In November 2022, the Powerball jackpot hit an astonishing $1.6 billion. In August 2023, the Mega Millions topped $1.2 billion. 

If you do win, keep quiet, experts say. Even before contacting lottery officials, the first steps are to keep the ticket in a safe place and call an attorney. The time winners have to claim their money varies by state, but the shortest period is 90 days.