Lottery Pool Share Calculator

Calculate your share of lottery pool winnings

Formula:Share = (Contribution / Total Pool) × Jackpot

Pool Details

Enter your lottery pool information

The advertised jackpot amount

Total people in the pool

How much you're putting in

Total money collected

Your Pool Share

If the pool wins the jackpot

Your Share of Jackpot
$25,000,000
5.00% of jackpot
Est. After Tax: $14,500,000

Your Ownership

5.00%

Contribution %

5.0%

Est. Tickets

100

Equal Share

$25,000,000

Pool Analysis

Playing Alone
1 ticket, full jackpot if win
With Pool (20 members)
~100 tickets, 5.0% of jackpot
Pool Tip: Always document your pool agreement in writing. Include member names, contributions, ticket numbers, and how winnings will be distributed.

Common Pool Scenarios

Load typical lottery pool setups

Quick Answer

TL;DR summary

Lottery pool share = (Your Contribution / Total Pool) × Jackpot. For a $500M jackpot with 50 people contributing $10 each ($500 total pool), each person owns 2% and would receive $10M before taxes. Pools improve your odds linearly but reduce individual winnings proportionally.

Key Facts About Lottery Pools

Important things to know

  • Pool odds improve linearly: 50 tickets = 50× better odds than 1 ticket
  • Individual share decreases with more members but risk is spread
  • Always document pool agreements in writing before purchasing
  • Designate one trusted person to buy and hold tickets
  • Take photos of all tickets and share with members immediately
  • Agree on payout terms (lump sum vs annuity) before purchase
  • Consider creating a formal trust for very large pools

Frequently Asked Questions

Common lottery pool questions

How do lottery pools work?

Multiple people contribute money to buy lottery tickets together. If any ticket wins, the prize is split among contributors proportionally based on their contribution. Pools increase your chances of winning while reducing the individual payout.

What is my share percentage in a lottery pool?

Your share = (Your Contribution / Total Pool Contributions) × 100%. If you contribute $10 to a $100 pool, you own 10% and would receive 10% of any winnings.

Do lottery pools actually improve my odds?

Yes, linearly. If your pool buys 50 tickets, your odds improve 50-fold. However, your individual expected payout remains the same since the prize is split. The main benefit is increasing the chance of experiencing a win, even if smaller.

What documents should a lottery pool have?

A written agreement listing all members, contribution amounts, ticket selection method, who holds tickets, how winnings will be divided, and whether payouts are lump sum or annuity. All members should sign and receive copies.

What happens if someone doesn't pay their share?

The agreement should specify this. Typically, non-paying members forfeit their share. It's best to collect all money before purchasing tickets and keep records of who paid.