Could the key to your next jackpot be hidden in number 39? A new analysis says yes.
With Powerball jackpots regularly soaring past the billion-dollar mark, many Americans are wondering if certain numbers really do give them an edge. A new study has revealed the lottery numbers that appear most frequently in U.S. lottery draws—and the results may surprise you.
According to research by online gambling experts at Play USA, the number 39 emerges as the single luckiest lottery number, with an average frequency of 209.4 appearances across America’s biggest games.
The analysis examined historic draws from Powerball, Mega Millions, The Big Game, Hot Lotto, and Lucky for Life, calculating the average frequency for each number across all five lotteries. Out of the 47 numbers eligible in every game, clear patterns of “lucky” and “unlucky” numbers emerged.
The Top 5 Luckiest Lottery Numbers
| Rank | Number | Average Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 39 | 209.4 |
| 2 | 28 | 208.4 |
| 3 | 16 | 207.6 |
| 4 | 32 | 207.2 |
| 5 | 15 | 207.0 |
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39 is the standout performer, topping Powerball with 347 appearances and ranking seventh in Hot Lotto.
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28 comes in second, dominating Lucky for Life with 270 draws and appearing 331 times in Powerball.
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16 claims third place, the top number in Hot Lotto (228 appearances) and sixth in Powerball.
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32 holds steady at fourth, ranking second in Powerball and third in Hot Lotto.
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15 rounds out the top five, especially popular in Lucky for Life (262 draws).
The 5 Unluckiest Lottery Numbers
| Rank | Number | Average Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 47 | 145.8 |
| 2 | 46 | 148.6 |
| 3 | 43 | 158.0 |
| 4 | 41 | 160.2 |
| 5 | 44 | 163.8 |
At the other end of the spectrum, the number 47 earns the title of America’s unluckiest lottery number, drawn an average of just 145.8 times across the five lotteries. Notably, all five “unlucky” numbers fall within the 40s range, raising questions about whether higher numbers are inherently rarer—or simply perceived that way.
Expert Insight
A Play USA spokesperson commented on the findings:
“While lottery numbers are ultimately drawn at random, analyzing historical data can uncover intriguing trends. The number 39 emerges as the most frequently drawn, standing out as a clear frontrunner. Still, it’s essential to remember that every lottery draw is independent, and previous outcomes have no bearing on future results.”
They added:
“Interestingly, the pattern among the top five unluckiest numbers each being in the 40s definitely raises questions. While the study reflects the actual frequency of these numbers being drawn, it’s worth considering how player behavior might shape perceptions of ‘unlucky’ numbers. Higher numbers, often avoided in favor of meaningful dates, may also mean fewer shared winnings when they do appear—reinforcing their unlucky reputation.”
Why It Matters Now
With Powerball jackpots climbing into the billions in recent years, interest in winning combinations has never been higher. While no strategy can guarantee a win, knowing which numbers have historically appeared most often could offer players an intriguing edge—or at least make choosing numbers more fun.
Methodology
Data was sourced from Lotto Database, analyzing every past draw from Powerball, Mega Millions, The Big Game, Hot Lotto, and Lucky for Life. Only numbers common to all five lotteries (1–47) were included in the ranking.
The full dataset, including the top 10 and bottom 10 numbers, is available upon request.
Source: Play USA
