Am I more likely to win the lottery if I choose my own numbers?

[barryqwalsh]

Notes and queries

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific concepts

Are the odds any better if I choose my own lottery ticket numbers rather than buy an automatically-generated “lucky dip”? I have a cynical suspicion that no lucky dip numbers ever win.

Susannah Everington, Bridport, Dorset

Am I more likely to win the lottery if I choose my own numbers? | Notes and queries

 

[sparky]

You're more likely to get hit by a meteor either way Barry

~S~

 

[petro]

You're more likely to get hit by a meteor either way Barry

~S~

I would add hit by a meteor, and struck by lightening in same spot.
Lotteries are just a way for government to raise revenue so rubes wont feel they are actually paying a tax.

Ironic that our nanny state government runs a casino.

 

[petro]

Have to add that nothing is more pathetic or sad than the convenience store gambler running pages of tickets and buying scratch offs.
Just want to pay for my gas and get some smokes and am stuck behind some sad sap picking tickets.

 

[Mac1958]

I don't know how these things work in terms of numbers that are available, however:

If you can choose from six numbers, you can choose 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, and have the same statistical probability of winning as anyone who used any other method.

Which seems pretty insane to me.
.

 

[barryqwalsh]

comments (76)

Join he discussion.


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• 
  
  stevegalley
  30 Apr 2018 20:34
  2021
  No
  
  
  
  • BoadiceaOverall stevegalley
    01
    My understanding is that the Lucky Dip picks a set of numbers not yet picked by anyone. So, if you buy your Lucky Dip just before closing time then at least you'll stand a chance of being the only perosn with that set of numbers.
    
    
    
    
  • stevegalley BoadiceaOverall
    1011
    No, it just picks a set of pseudorandom numbers.
    
    
    
    
• 
  
  Loumo
  30 Apr 2018 21:41
  56
  Given that the dips are created ahead of the draw and the draw is random, the lucky dip can't increase your chances of winning or losing, unless you believe the draw isn't random, in which case why enter at all?
  
  The lucky dip could affect your chances of winning big though, by "filling in the gaps" in the range of numbers selected so that more of the possible combinations are selected. If that were the case, a lucky dip would increase your chances of being the only winner.
  
  
  
  
  
  • BodhiYoga Loumo
    34
    I agree with this - especially if numbers over 31 are chosen. Still, now that the odds have gone up with the introduction of more numbers, it is even harder to win.
    
    

Am I more likely to win the lottery if I choose my own numbers? | Notes and queries

 

[konradv]

Are the odds any better if I choose my own lottery ticket numbers rather than buy an automatically-generated “lucky dip”? I have a cynical suspicion that no lucky dip numbers ever win.
Am I more likely to win the lottery if I choose my own numbers? | Notes and queries

There's no difference in your chances. The computer may chose the numbers on the ticket, but the winning numbers are determined by bouncing ping pong balls. All numbers have an equal chance of coming up, including the exact same numbers that came up in the last draw.

 

[barryqwalsh]

Have to add that nothing is more pathetic or sad than the convenience store gambler running pages of tickets and buying scratch offs.
Just want to pay for my gas and get some smokes and am stuck behind some sad sap picking tickets.

Unlike cigarettes, lotteries don't give you cancer.

 

[petro]

Have to add that nothing is more pathetic or sad than the convenience store gambler running pages of tickets and buying scratch offs.
Just want to pay for my gas and get some smokes and am stuck behind some sad sap picking tickets.

Unlike cigarettes, lotteries don't give you cancer.

Both are highly taxed for governments benefit.
Funny how the nanny state wants everyone to quit one habit and pick up another.

 

[barryqwalsh]

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