The National Lottery’s Lotto game is one of the most well-known draw-based games in the UK. Each week, thousands of players take part, many opting for the Lucky Dip feature—a system that randomly selects numbers for your ticket.
Some players wonder whether choosing numbers in this way has ever led to notable wins, and how often that might occur.
In this blog post, we will explore Lucky Dip entries, look at some examples of winning tickets, and outline how numbers are chosen. Understanding these points may help you decide whether using a Lucky Dip appeals to you.
Read on to discover more about Lucky Dip outcomes and how number selection works.

Yes, people have won large prizes using a Lucky Dip ticket. This feature allows the Lotto system to pick numbers on your behalf rather than you selecting them manually. Over time, several high-profile winners have relied on randomly generated numbers.
For example, in 2022, Joe Thwaite claimed a £184 million EuroMillions jackpot with a Lucky Dip ticket. In the Lotto itself, there have been other big wins from entries chosen in this way. These examples show that notable winnings may come from both Lucky Dip and self-selected numbers alike, though it might not be immediately clear why some people win more visibly.
It’s worth noting that Lotto draws are entirely random. No method of choosing numbers guarantees a particular outcome.
There isn’t a publicly available total for how many jackpot wins have involved Lucky Dip tickets. Many winners have used them, but exact figures are not released. Lucky Dip is widely used, so it is likely that some significant prizes have come from this option.
One reason for this is simple: Lucky Dip is quick and straightforward, letting the system generate numbers automatically. Because it is so popular, it’s perhaps unsurprising that a sizeable proportion of winners have relied on it.
However, while Lucky Dip entries appear frequently among winners, this reflects usage patterns rather than an increased probability of winning. Each Lotto line, whether picked by a player or generated randomly, has odds of 1 in 45,057,474 of matching all six numbers.
In the Lotto, matching two main numbers earns a free Lucky Dip ticket for a future draw. Some free Lucky Dip entries have resulted in notable prizes, though there are no publicly confirmed jackpot wins from them.
One verified example is Sarah and Marcus Savill, who won £63,339 with a free Lucky Dip entry. While this demonstrates that free tickets might lead to prizes, the mechanics are the same as for paid entries—the numbers remain randomly selected, giving each line an equal chance.

Lucky Dip numbers are produced by a computer system using a method known as a Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG). The system is designed to select numbers independently, so no line is influenced by any previous selection.
The National Lottery regularly tests its systems to meet strict regulatory standards. This ensures that every line is drawn without human influence and remains as random as possible.
The earlier point about winners using Lucky Dip entries can now be understood in this context: while entries are random, the selection process is carefully monitored to maintain fairness.
It might seem at first glance that Lucky Dip entries are often winning tickets, but this is largely because the option is widely chosen. The odds of winning the Lotto jackpot are the same for self-selected numbers as for Lucky Dip entries.
Each draw is independent, and how numbers are chosen does not alter the probability of matching them. While many winning tickets are Lucky Dips, this reflects popularity rather than increased chances.
Every line—whether generated or chosen manually—has an equal opportunity to match the winning numbers in any given draw.
Every Lucky Dip line is generated independently, meaning the numbers on your ticket are not influenced by other lines. While it is theoretically possible for two tickets to have the same combination, this is extremely unlikely. With over 45 million possible Lotto combinations, duplicates are rare.
Lotto draws themselves are separate events. Numbers drawn one week have no impact on the next draw.
This reinforces the earlier points: whether you win with a Lucky Dip or another method, each ticket’s numbers are independently chosen.
Playing the Lotto or other draw-based games should always be viewed as a form of entertainment. There is no method to improve the probability of winning. Spending only what you can afford is sensible.
For advice or support regarding gambling, organisations such as GambleAware offer confidential guidance. Remember, the Lotto is only open to players aged 18 and over, and it is possible to set spending limits or take breaks if needed.
*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.