There’s a long-standing belief that choosing your own lottery numbers might somehow give you a better chance of winning. This idea has been passed around for years, often finding its way into gambling forums and casino blogs. But is there any truth to it?
In this Wizard Slots blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how number selection works in the lottery. We'll explore whether people have won using lucky dip entries, whether one method is statistically better than the other, and why some players prefer to pick their own numbers while others leave it to chance. We’ll also clear up a few common misunderstandings about which numbers are most likely to be drawn.
Has Anyone Ever Won The Lottery With A Lucky Dip?
When it comes to selecting numbers, there are generally two ways players approach it: by choosing their own, or by letting the system pick at random through a lucky dip. Those who select their own numbers often base them on personal dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, or other meaningful occasions.
Others prefer to leave it to chance, allowing the lucky dip to generate a set of numbers automatically—removing the need to make any decisions.
There have been many real-world examples of players winning sizeable prizes using lucky dip entries. For instance, a man known only as Mr M from Suffolk won £1 million through the UK Millionaire Maker prize after purchasing a lucky dip ticket online.
George Muir, from Fife in Scotland, claimed £145,757 in May 2024. He had nearly forgotten to enter that draw but decided to buy a lucky dip ticket at the last moment—later discovering it matched five main numbers and one Lucky Star.
In another case, Pratap Patel from Wembley picked up a lucky dip ticket while doing his usual shopping. That seemingly casual decision led to a £102,904 EuroMillions win in August 2021, after matching five main numbers.
One of the most widely publicised examples came in May 2022, when Joe and Jess Thwaite from Gloucester became overnight headlines after winning a staggering £184,262,899 EuroMillions jackpot with a lucky dip entry.
Looking at available data, nearly half of recorded lottery winners have had their numbers selected via lucky dip, demonstrating just how common this method of entry is among those who go on to claim prizes.
With many winners having won through choosing a lucky dip option, a natural question arises: Are you more likely to win the lottery with a lucky dip?
Are You More Likely To Win The Lottery With A Lucky Dip?
If you’re deciding between picking your own numbers or going with a lucky dip, it’s worth knowing that the odds stay exactly the same either way. Each draw is completely random, so the way the numbers are chosen doesn’t influence your chance of winning.
That said, some players choose the lucky dip for other reasons. One idea is that it might lower the chances of having to split a prize. This comes down to number patterns—many people pick dates that are meaningful to them, which often means selecting numbers between 1 and 31. If you do the same, and those numbers come up, there’s a greater possibility that others have chosen them too.
With a lucky dip, the numbers are randomly spread across the full range, which may mean you’re less likely to end up sharing any winnings—if they happen to come in.
Advantages Of Using A Lucky Dip
There are a few reasons why you might choose to go with a lucky dip when entering the lottery. It often comes down to how you prefer to approach the process.
If you find picking numbers a bit overwhelming—or end up second-guessing your choices when they don’t appear in the draw—a lucky dip can take that pressure off. Since the outcome is always random, letting the system choose for you means you’re not left wondering if a different set of numbers would have changed the result.
You might also notice that when choosing your own numbers, it’s easy to gravitate towards dates that matter to you, such as birthdays. This usually limits your selection to numbers up to 31, and many players tend to do the same. That can lead to certain number combinations being more common.
With a lucky dip, the numbers are generated at random and tend to be more spread out across the full range. If your numbers do come in, this might reduce the chances of sharing a prize with others who’ve picked similar sets.
Is It Better To Play Your Own Numbers?
If you’re considering choosing your own numbers rather than going with a lucky dip, it’s worth knowing that the result remains just as unpredictable either way. The draw is random, so the method you use to pick your numbers won’t change the outcome.
That said, some players simply enjoy the act of selecting their own numbers. If you choose to do this, it might feel more personal—perhaps you're picking numbers linked to special dates or milestones. For some, this makes the process more meaningful and memorable, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to taking part.
Even though it doesn’t affect the result, putting thought into the numbers can make the experience feel more deliberate. But whether you’ve chosen each number yourself or let the system decide for you, the chances of a win stay exactly the same.
What Numbers Are Most Likely To Win The Lottery?
The lottery is purely a game of chance, which means every number has the same likelihood of being drawn. It’s impossible to identify specific numbers that are more likely to win.
While some sources or systems may claim to spot trends or suggest that certain numbers appear more often, these patterns are usually the result of coincidence rather than any meaningful advantage. Each draw is independent of the last, so no number is “due” to appear based on past results.
Conclusion
If you choose to take part in a lottery draw, it’s important to understand that neither selecting your own numbers nor using a lucky dip will change your chances of winning. Every draw is completely random, so no method can influence the outcome.
Whether you prefer to pick your own numbers or let the system do it for you, your odds remain exactly the same.
If you decide to play, it’s always best to do so responsibly—only spending what you feel comfortable losing and treating it as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game 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.