This page explores how often drawn numbers appear close together or in consecutive sequences. It helps us see whether number grouping occurs as expected in a random lottery environment.

Last 75 draws
From Mar. 4, 2025 To Nov. 18, 2025

Histogram of Number Clustering

The histogram of number clustering measures the typical spacing between consecutive numbers in lotto draws. Each bin represents a range of average gaps, showing whether numbers tend to cluster closely together or spread evenly across the draw. This histogram helps analysts detect patterns in number spacing, complementing other perspectives such as sums and ranges.

The histogram of average gaps between consecutive numbers in lotto draws reveals that the most frequent gap interval is 13-15 with 23 occurrences, suggesting a strong clustering in this interval. In contrast, the least frequent gap interval is 1-3, 4-6 with only 1 occurrences, showing it is rarely observed. This indicates a noticeable concentration of draws around certain gap intervals. Overall, the distribution shows clustering around specific gap intervals, indicating that draws tend to gravitate toward these values.

Format Changes in US Mega Millions Lottery

Since its inception in 1996, Mega Millions has undergone several changes in its number pool format, particularly in the main number set and the Mega Ball. Initially launched as “The Big Game,” the format started with selecting 5 numbers from a pool of 50 and 1 Mega Ball from a pool of 25 and expanded its number matrix several times in 2005, 2013, and 2017. in April 2025, the format was revised again, maintaining the 5/70 for the main numbers but slightly reducing the Mega Ball pool from 1/25 to 1/24. These adjustments over time have been aimed at balancing jackpot size, odds of winning, and overall game excitement.

Period Format Mega Ball
September 6, 1996 – Launch as “The Big Game” 5 of 50 1 of 25
May 17, 2002 – Rebranded “The Big Game Mega Millions” 5 of 52 1 of 52
October 2002 – 2005 5 of 56 1 of 46
October 18–22, 2013 5 of 75  1 of 15
October 28–31, 2017 5 of 70 1 of 25
April 8, 2025 5 of 70 1 of 24

How US Mega Millions Lotto Format Changes Affect Your Number Strategy.

These format changes have a direct impact on statistical analysis. Mixing frequency data across different formats is not advisable because each version of the game has a different number pool and probability structure.

For example, a number that appeared frequently in the 5/50 format may have done so due to higher individual draw probability, but that same frequency can be misleading in the 5/75 or 5/70 formats.

Therefore, for meaningful analysis, it’s essential to treat each format as its own distinct dataset. Analyzing trends or frequencies should be restricted to results from within the same format period, especially if the goal is to inform number selection in the current game structure.