Lottery jackpots grow as nobody wins the game, and these mega-sized prizes draw attention from news sites and television programs, driving ticket sales. But jackpots can also be deceptive, as they can make it seem that anyone could become rich quickly—and that’s the main reason that many people play.

It’s important to remember that, while a single ticket might be worth a small amount of money, winning the lottery isn’t a good way to become wealthy. Attaining true wealth requires putting in decades of effort across a broad range of investments, not just betting on a jackpot. This is especially true in an era of inequality and limited social mobility.

Most big-prize winners opt to take a lump sum payout instead of the option to annuitize their prize. The latter allows them to receive 30 payments over 29 years, with organizers investing the money during those three decades. But the actual payout amounts aren’t advertised, and some winners squander their winnings or don’t invest it properly—leading to bankruptcy or other financial trouble.

It’s possible to reduce your chances of splitting a jackpot by playing fewer tickets and using numbers that are less common. Also, avoid choosing numbers that have sentimental value or are related to dates like birthdays. Pooling with friends to purchase more tickets may improve your odds of winning. It’s also wise to make sure that if you win, someone trustworthy handles the money and tickets so that your dream doesn’t turn into a nightmare.