Playing a System Bet (also known as “Wheeling”) allows you to choose more numbers than the standard ticket permits. This drastically increases your chances of winning, but it also increases the cost exponentially.
This calculator is perfect for Lottery Syndicates (office pools) or high-rollers. It calculates exactly how many combinations are created and the total cost of the ticket.
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How System Bets Work
In a standard “Pick 6” lottery, you choose 6 numbers. If you want to cover more possibilities, you can play a “System 7” or “System 8”.
- Standard (Pick 6): 1 Combination. Cost: $2.
- System 7 (Pick 7): You choose 7 numbers. The lottery computer generates every possible 6-number combination from your 7.
Total: 7 Combinations. Cost: $14. - System 10 (Pick 10): You choose 10 numbers.
Total: 210 Combinations. Cost: $420.
As you can see, adding just a few extra numbers makes the ticket very expensive. This is why systems are usually played by groups of people (Syndicates) to split the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does a System Bet guarantee a win?
No. It increases your probability, but does not guarantee a win. However, if you do match the winning numbers within your system, you often win multiple prizes at once (e.g., one jackpot + multiple 2nd tier prizes) because you hold many winning combinations.
Can I use this for Powerball?
Yes, but usually only for the main numbers. Most Powerball systems allow you to wheel the 5 main white balls. You would set “Game Type” to 5 and “Numbers Picked” to 6, 7, etc. The Powerball itself is usually a separate, fixed selection.