Every Lotto ticket gives you a chance to take part in a game of chance. When you buy one, you can either select your own six numbers, or use a feature called a Lucky Dip. This generates a completely random set of numbers for you. But is one approach better than the other?
In this article, we’ll look at how many times a Lucky Dip has resulted in a jackpot win in the UK’s National Lottery game, Lotto. We’ll also explore whether it makes any difference how you choose your numbers.
Has Anyone Ever Won The Lottery With A Lucky Dip?
Yes. Many players have won the National Lottery using a Lucky Dip. A Lucky Dip is simply a random number selection. Instead of choosing your own numbers, a computer system picks six numbers between 1 and 59 on your behalf.
Some players prefer to pick their own numbers, often based on personal dates such as birthdays. Others may choose a Lucky Dip to try and avoid any potential patterns or repetition. Both methods enter the same draw and have exactly the same chance of winning. No option increases or decreases your probability of a potential win.
There have been several examples over the years where winners used a Lucky Dip. For instance, in 2021, an 80-year-old retired engineer named Denis Fawsitt won more than £116,000 using a Lucky Dip on the EuroMillions. He mentioned that he normally selected his own numbers, but had left his glasses at home that day, so he opted for a randomly chosen line instead.
Another well-known case was in May 2022, when Gloucestershire resident Joe Thwaite won over £184 million with a Lucky Dip on the EuroMillions. Though this win wasn't from Lotto, it does highlight how many players use this feature across different National Lottery games.
While these are individual examples, they show that jackpot wins can possibly happen through randomly generated tickets.
How Many Times Has A Lucky Dip Won The Lottery?
It’s estimated that just over half of all Lotto jackpot wins in the UK have come from Lucky Dip entries. According to data released by Camelot, the former operator of The National Lottery, approximately 53% of jackpot-winning tickets across all draw-based games, including the Lotto and EuroMillions, were purchased using the Lucky Dip option.
Since the launch of the National Lottery in 1994, over 7,400 individuals have become millionaires through its games. This includes the Lotto, EuroMillions, Set For Life, and scratchcard-based games. Based on the 53% figure, roughly 3,922 of these millionaires may have used a Lucky Dip ticket.
It’s important to understand that these figures reflect how many players chose Lucky Dips, not whether it provides better odds. The number of Lucky Dip winners is proportionate to how many people use the feature. Many players opt for Lucky Dips simply because it's quicker and avoids decision-making.
What Wins Most - Lucky Dip or Own Numbers?
From a mathematical perspective, there is no difference between picking your own numbers and using a Lucky Dip. The Lotto draw is random, and all number combinations have the same chance of being selected. That means whether you select 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or let a machine pick six random numbers, the odds remain around 1 in 45,057,474 for the jackpot.
Some people choose the same set of numbers every week. Others change them regularly, or let a Lucky Dip decide for each draw. These choices are all based on personal preference. The outcomes are not affected by how the numbers are selected.
It’s also worth noting that if you choose numbers like birthdays, which fall between 1 and 31, you may be more likely to share your potential prize with other players who’ve done the same. Lucky Dip numbers are more likely to include a broader range of digits, which can reduce the chance of a shared prize – but that’s only if you win.
In short, both options give you the same statistical chance of winning. How you pick your numbers doesn’t impact the result.
The Lotto is a form of gambling. It's important to only spend what you can afford and to treat it as entertainment, rather than a way to make money. Winnings are never guaranteed, and all outcomes are based on chance.
You can help manage your play by setting a spending limit, or keeping track of how often you buy tickets. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a concern, support is available through organisations such as GamCare and BeGambleAware.org.
The Lotto game rules and potential prize structures may change from time to time, so it may be a good idea to check the latest terms and conditions on the National Lottery website before entering.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.