BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — The lottery has many risks, but to some, the hope of a gigantic jackpot is more than enough to encourage them to give it a try. Unfortunately for those looking to get lucky in the Peace Garden State, statistics show that lottery success rates here are lower than almost anywhere else in the nation.

As part of a study on lottery results across America, researchers with GambleSpot (a division of Adwise Partners, LLC) analyzed every Powerball draw between 1992 and 2024 to determine which states have experienced the most wins, and likewise, won the most and least money. Through this study, it was found that residents of North Dakota tend to lean on the unlucky side — and even those who did manage to hit the jackpot have walked away with a lower amount than most.

While more North Dakotans have won the lottery than residents of states like Mississippi, Vermont, and Arkansas despite a smaller population, both the overall number of lucky residents and the average pot ND residents win is much lower than the national average. After inflation, North Dakotans have won approximately $64.74 million in the last 22 years — $41.72 million of which comes from Match 5 wins, while the remainder stems from Match 5 + Powerplay prizes.

In contrast to these small change chances, states like Pennsylvania and Oregon have many more winners and much higher payouts, with California having the largest amount of winnings ($9,524.36 million) despite a below-average number of jackpots.

The study also made note of the most and least frequently drawn Powerball numbers over the last 22 years. Based on historic picks, the most common white ball is number 61, which has appeared 92 times. The most common red Powerball is 18, which has been drawn 51 times.

The least commonly-drawn numbers, meanwhile, are white ball 13 (drawn 52 times) and Powerball 15 (28 times).

“Analyzing lottery data over a significant period can provide valuable insights into societal and economic dynamics, as well as our fascination with luck and chance,” states Adwise Partners LLC’s CEO Andriy Nezdropa.” People often find lottery statistics fascinating because they reflect public interest in gambling and the allure of hitting it big. Tracking which states have had the most winners can serve as a barometer of this interest over time. It can also help to identify statistical anomalies. While lottery draws are supposed to be random, long-term data can reveal if there are any unexpected trends or biases in the distribution of wins.”

While gambling can be a fun way to spend extra money, it’s important to remember that the odds will always be stacked against you — and that the entire process can be addicting for many. If you or anyone you know has a gambling problem, visit GamblerND for information on treatment and recovery programs.

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