When people talk about big National Lottery wins in the UK, Lucky Dip tickets often get a mention. These are tickets where your numbers are randomly chosen by the system, rather than picked by you.
But how much of what you hear is accurate? Are these random number picks just as likely to win as hand-picked ones? And is there any reason to pick one method over the other?
This blog breaks down the facts and clears up some common misunderstandings. It looks at what Lucky Dip tickets are, how they work, and how often they’ve been linked to real jackpot wins. It also explains how UK lottery games work in general—ideal if you’re just getting started, or want to know more before buying a ticket.
Whether you're new to playing the lottery or simply curious about the odds, you'll find straightforward answers here.
How Many Jackpots Came From Lucky Dips?
Lucky Dip tickets are a common way to play draw-based games like the Lotto and EuroMillions in the UK. When you choose a Lucky Dip, the lottery system randomly selects a line of numbers for you. This means you don’t pick the numbers yourself.
Several well-publicised winners in the UK have had success through Lucky Dip tickets. For example:
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Joe and Jess Thwaite won £184 million on EuroMillions in 2022 using a Lucky Dip.
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Toni Henderson bought two Lucky Dip tickets for a Lotto draw in April 2024. At first, she thought she had won around £1,700. Later, she discovered it was actually £1 million.
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Jane Lewis, a long-time player from Halifax, switched from her usual numbers to a Lucky Dip after having a strong feeling. That change resulted in a £4.3 million Lotto win.
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Sarah Savill used a free Lucky Dip ticket—won by matching two numbers in a previous draw—and ended up with £63,339.
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James Clarkson reinvested a £120 win from a Christmas Day draw into five new lines, including two Lucky Dips. While his £7.5 million jackpot win came from one of his random self-selected lines, this shows how players often combine methods.
Although there’s no official data showing exactly how many jackpot wins came from Lucky Dips, stories like these highlight how both random and chosen numbers can possibly lead to prizes. Because every combination in the draw is random, both options have equal potential under the rules.
UK Players And The Lucky Dip Approach
In the UK, a large number of players use a Lucky Dip when entering the Lotto or EuroMillions. It’s a quick and simple way to take part without spending time choosing numbers.
This method is especially popular with newer players, or those who don’t have regular numbers they want to stick with. It can also help avoid some common number-picking behaviour, like choosing birthdays, which often limits numbers to 31 or below. All numbers in a draw are treated equally, so limiting your range could make your ticket more likely to share a prize if you win.
Some people feel random number selection gives them a neutral way to play. They don’t overthink it, and they’re not attached to certain combinations. For others, it’s just about saving time.
Reports from the previous lottery operator, Camelot, suggested around half of all Lotto entries were Lucky Dips. Allwyn, the current operator since February 2024, continues to offer the same Lucky Dip feature.
Do Lucky Dips Have The Same Chance?
Yes, a Lucky Dip has exactly the same chance of winning as any other ticket.
Each National Lottery draw is a game of chance. This means the outcome is completely random. No number has a higher or lower chance of appearing. Whether you choose numbers yourself or let the system pick them doesn’t affect your odds.
For example:
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The odds of matching all six numbers in the Lotto are around 1 in 45 million.
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In the EuroMillions, the odds of hitting the jackpot are around 1 in 139 million.
These odds apply to every ticket. Whether it’s a Lucky Dip or not, the chance of winning stays the same.
There are no strategies or systems that can increase your odds in draw-based games. It’s worth remembering that winning can never be guaranteed, and outcomes are not influenced by previous results or patterns.
Player Preferences: Lucky Dip Or Own Numbers?
When you play a lottery game, you have two main options:
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Choose your own numbers
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Let the system select them for you using a Lucky Dip, depending on the game
Some players like to use significant dates. Others may prefer to keep the same numbers every week. This may give them a personal connection to their ticket.
On the other hand, some players might prefer fresh numbers each time. Lucky Dips offer this without needing to think about which numbers to choose.
There’s no best or worst way to play. It depends on what you prefer.
Some players even use both methods in a single draw—for example, playing one line of personal numbers and one Lucky Dip. What matters is that every ticket entered has an equal chance of matching the numbers drawn.
You can find the rules for each game, how to play, and how potential prizes are awarded by visiting the official National Lottery website. It may also be a good idea to read the terms and conditions, so you know how everything works.
Gambling should only ever be seen as a form of entertainment. Set a budget, take breaks, and never spend more than you can afford. The National Lottery website has helpful tools to support responsible play. If you feel your gambling may be becoming a problem, there are support organisations such as GamCare and BeGambleAware.org who can offer help.
*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.