Just in time for Friday's $1.35 billion Mega Millions jackpot, I was contacted by something called Lotto N Crowd that says its proprietary algorithm can help customers pick winning numbers ...

He spent AGES poring over mathematical theories, and after years of research, he wrote a "number-picking algorithm" based on a method he called "combinatorial condensation" - The Hustle reported.

The formula has long drawn criticism from lawmakers, advocates and residents who say it does not fairly distribute lottery net profits.