Is Lucky Dip Better Than Choosing Your Own Lottery Numbers?

When it comes to playing the lottery, one question tends to come up time and again: Should you pick your own numbers or let the machine decide for you? It’s a simple choice on the surface, but the stories, patterns, and possibilities behind each approach reveal far more than you might expect.

From tales of unexpected wins to the quirks behind number selection, this article explores the nuances behind how tickets are filled—and what those choices might mean for those who play.

Read on to learn more.

Has Anyone Won The Lottery With a Lucky Dip?

There have been plenty of cases where the Lucky Dip has led to a successful outcome. In fact, this approach has featured in a substantial proportion of winning stories.

One well-known example is Joe Thwaite, who claimed a staggering £184 million on the EuroMillions with a Lucky Dip ticket in May 2022. Another story involves Denis Fawsitt, aged 80, who typically picked his own numbers but made a different choice one day, resulting in a six-figure win.

Ray Bowen from Basingstoke also experienced a similar moment in August 2024. Just minutes before the draw, he opted for a Lucky Dip and secured £131,584. George Muir, from Fife, chose randomly as well and walked away with £145,757 in May of the same year. These outcomes offer a glimpse into how players have won with automatically generated numbers, even at the last moment.

While this may appear to suggest an advantage, these examples simply reflect the unpredictable nature of the game. The way numbers are chosen—whether manually or via Lucky Dip—does not influence the outcome. 

Are Lucky Dips More Likely To Win?

When people look at stories like those above, they might wonder whether a random selection increases their chances. But despite the number of winning anecdotes involving Lucky Dips, they aren’t more likely to win.

The reason lies in how numbers are drawn. Since the process is based entirely on chance, there is no method—random or deliberate—that improves outcomes. Any repeated numbers or patterns are simply coincidental.

That said, one aspect some find appealing about the Lucky Dip is that it removes the need to make number choices. The system generating these numbers uses algorithms designed to ensure unpredictability—something that can help avoid the common tendency of selecting certain number ranges. 

Lucky Dip vs Choosing Your Own Numbers

As mentioned earlier, winning outcomes have come from both manual selections and randomly assigned tickets. Approximately half of previous wins have involved each method, meaning there’s no meaningful advantage in either direction. What often guides the decision is individual preference.

However, there is a secondary point to consider—particularly if you were to end up with a winning ticket. If more than one person has the same numbers, the prize is divided. People who pick their own numbers often base them on personal dates, such as birthdays. This naturally limits numbers to 31 and under, which may increase the possibility of overlap with others.

On the other hand, a Lucky Dip produces numbers without any such constraint. It may include numbers outside that commonly selected range, potentially leading to fewer shared combinations. While there’s no assurance that this would happen, some see it as a possible benefit. 

Are Lucky Dips Worth It?

Whether or not a Lucky Dip suits you depends on what you value in the experience. Some enjoy making the selections themselves, while others prefer to hand that part over to a random generator.

Not having to pick numbers can reduce second-guessing, and it avoids the temptation to blame certain choices if the outcome isn’t what was hoped for. Also, the diversity of numbers generated by the system may lower the chance of overlapping with others, particularly when many people use dates to make their selections. That, in turn, could mean a fuller share of any prize.

Still, there are no guarantees, and either approach may appeal depending on how you view the process. 

Conclusion

To summarise, if you choose to play the lottery, whether you go for a Lucky Dip or handpick your own numbers, your chances in the lottery remain unchanged. It comes down to what feels right for you. There’s no method that alters the fundamental nature of the game—only different ways to approach the decision.

If you choose to take part, do so thoughtfully. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind and never spend more than you are willing to lose.

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*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.