In the UK, many players opt for a “Lucky Dip” when participating in the national lottery. A common question is whether numbers chosen at random have the same chance of winning the jackpot as those selected by the player.
This article explores the odds of random entries winning top prizes, what to expect from Lucky Dip tickets, and how these draws are conducted. Read on to learn more.

Some of the UK’s largest lottery prizes have been won with Lucky Dip tickets. For example, in August 2012, a couple from Haverhill won over £148 million on EuroMillions using a Lucky Dip ticket, marking one of the country’s largest prizes.
In January 2019, a player from County Armagh won approximately £115 million, again with a Lucky Dip. Another significant win came in July 2016, when a family from Monmouth claimed nearly £61 million through a Lucky Dip ticket.
All of these winners had randomly generated numbers. Each ticket, whether selected by the player or generated by the machine, has the same likelihood of success. There is no advantage or disadvantage linked to how the numbers are chosen since the draws themselves are conducted randomly.
For those who prefer not to choose their own numbers, a Lucky Dip removes the decision-making process. This straightforward method provides an accessible way to take part in the lottery, which can suit individuals looking for a simple and hassle-free approach.
The random nature of a Lucky Dip reflects the fundamental principle of lottery draws, where every number combination has an equal chance of being selected. This means that using a Lucky Dip is as valid a choice as selecting numbers manually.
Additionally, the element of unpredictability that comes with a Lucky Dip can create another layer to lottery games. Since the numbers are assigned automatically, some players find enjoyment in discovering which numbers have been chosen for them.
Many wonder if Lucky Dip tickets are more likely to win jackpots compared to self-selected numbers. According to Camelot, the operator of the UK National Lottery, roughly half of jackpot winners have used Lucky Dip tickets, with the remainder selecting their own numbers.
This proportion varies somewhat over time, but there is no clear evidence that one method yields better chances than the other. For the UK Lotto, the odds of matching all six numbers and winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 45,057,474 for every line entered, regardless of how numbers are chosen.
Since each combination is equally likely to be drawn, the choice between Lucky Dip and self-picked numbers depends on what you prefer.
Lucky Dip tickets are generated through a random process. Each ticket entered faces the same odds, no matter how the numbers are selected. For the UK Lotto, the chance of matching all six numbers stands around 1 in 45,057,474.
There is no official or reliable method to increase your chance of winning using a Lucky Dip. The draw remains random and fair for every ticket.
Entering more tickets increases the total number of entries you have, but each ticket independently maintains the same chance.
Some players explore patterns or strategies, but these do not affect the outcome. For further information on lottery odds and operations, it could be helpful to consult official national lottery resources.
**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.
*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.