Question 1

What is a Lottery Expected Value?

Accepted Answer

The expected value (EV) of a lottery ticket is the average return per ticket purchase, calculated as the jackpot divided by the odds of winning, minus the ticket cost. Almost all lottery tickets have negative expected value — they are, mathematically, a losing proposition.

Question 2

How does the Lottery Expected Value work?

Accepted Answer

EV = (Jackpot × Probability of winning) − Ticket cost Then: Or equivalently: EV = (Jackpot / Odds) − Price Then: If EV is negative, you lose money on average Then: Note: real EV is even worse due to income taxes on winnings (often 30–40%).

Question 3

Can you give an example of how to use the Lottery Expected Value?

Accepted Answer

Example: Input UK Lotto: £10M jackpot, odds 1:45M, £2 ticket gives a result of EV = −£1.78 per ticket (You lose £1.78 on average per play).

Question 4

Is the Lottery Expected Value free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes — completely free with no registration, download, or subscription required. All calculations happen instantly in your browser.

Question 5

How accurate is the Lottery Expected Value?

Accepted Answer

Our Lottery Expected Value uses verified mathematical formulas and is accurate to multiple decimal places. Results are calculated in real-time using the same methods used by professionals.

Lottery Expected Value

🎰Lottery Expected Value Calculator

What is Lottery Expected Value?

How to Use Lottery Expected Value

Example Lottery Expected Value Examples

Settings