The lottery has been around for decades, giving millions of people the dream of winning life-changing money. However, along with the excitement comes plenty of myths and misconceptions—from so-called “lucky numbers” to the idea that some tickets are “due” for a win.
In this article, we’ll bust the top five common lotto myths and explain why they simply aren’t true.
Myth 1: Some Numbers Are “Due to Win”
The Myth
Many players believe that if a certain number hasn’t been drawn in a long time, it’s “overdue” and is more likely to appear in the next draw.
Why It’s Wrong
The lottery is completely random. Each number has the same chance of being drawn in every game, regardless of past results. This is known as the Gambler’s Fallacy—the false belief that past outcomes affect future ones.
Example: If the number 12 hasn’t been drawn in months, it still has the exact same chance of appearing as any other number in the next draw.
Truth: Every draw is independent, so no number is ever “due” to win.
Myth 2: Quick Picks Never Win
The Myth
Some players believe that tickets generated by Quick Pick (Lucky Dip)—where a machine randomly selects numbers—are less likely to win than choosing numbers manually.
Why It’s Wrong
Statistics show that most big jackpots are actually won by Quick Pick tickets!
- Around 70% of EuroMillions jackpot winners used Quick Picks.
- Many National Lottery winners have also won using randomly generated numbers.
The truth is that whether you pick your numbers manually or use Quick Pick, the odds remain exactly the same. The machine is just as random as manually choosing numbers.
Truth: Quick Pick tickets win just as often as manually selected numbers.
Myth 3: There’s a Secret System to Win the Lottery
The Myth
Some people claim to have “cracked the code” and sell lottery-winning systems or strategies that supposedly guarantee success.
Why It’s Wrong
The lottery is designed to be completely random, meaning no system can predict or manipulate results.
Warning Signs of Lottery Scams:
- Systems promising “guaranteed wins”
- Paid subscriptions for “winning” lottery numbers
- Claims that a certain pattern or algorithm predicts results
There is no mathematical formula or strategy that can guarantee a win. Anyone who claims otherwise is likely trying to scam you.
Truth: The lottery is pure chance—no system can guarantee a win.
Myth 4: Picking Birthdays and Lucky Numbers Helps You Win
The Myth
Many players choose numbers based on birthdays, anniversaries, or lucky numbers (such as 7 or 13), believing they have a better chance of winning.
Why It’s Wrong
While you can win using any numbers, choosing birthdays limits your selection to numbers between 1 and 31—ignoring numbers 32-59 in games like the UK Lotto.
This doesn’t reduce your chances of winning, but it increases the likelihood of sharing the jackpot with others who picked similar numbers.
Example: If 10, 15, 22, and 30 are drawn, you may share the prize with thousands of others who also used common dates.
Truth: Choosing higher numbers doesn’t increase your chance of winning, but it can reduce the chances of splitting the jackpot.
Myth 5: The Lottery Is Rigged
The Myth
Some people believe that the lottery is fixed, and that winners are pre-selected or certain numbers are deliberately avoided.
Why It’s Wrong
Lotteries are strictly regulated by independent bodies to ensure fairness. In the UK, The National Lottery is overseen by The Gambling Commission, and every draw is conducted using rigorously tested random number generators or ball machines.
How Lottery Security Works:
- Random number generators are independently tested.
- Draws are live-streamed and audited.
- Strict regulations prevent tampering.
There have been no proven cases of rigging in UK lottery history.
Truth: The lottery is heavily regulated and fair—every player has the same chance of winning.
Final Thoughts: Play Smart, Play for Fun
While the lottery is exciting, it’s important to play with the right mindset.
Key Takeaways:
- Every number has an equal chance of winning—no number is ever “due”.
- Quick Picks win just as often as manually chosen numbers.
- There is no secret system to guarantee a lottery win.
- Using birthdays or lucky numbers limits your choices and may lead to shared jackpots.
- The lottery is fair and regulated—winning is purely down to luck.
At the end of the day, the best approach is to play responsibly and for fun, knowing that winning is always a matter of chance. Good luck!
