WINNING the lottery is a dream for many people – but are there any tricks that can help you boost your chances of hitting the jackpot?
Maybe you’ve got lucky numbers that you always pick when doing the lottery.
Andy Carter explains the lucky numbers
Or perhaps you choose based on family birthdays and front door numbers.
But you might actually be better off just going for a lucky dip.
Andy Carter, senior winners’ advisor at Camelot, said it’s worth paying attention to the numbers that come up most regularly if you want to take home the big prize.
But he said: “Don’t get drawn to the same numbers each time – remember it’s a game of chance.”
It comes as one lucky EuroMillions player last month hit the jackpot and took home £191million – immediately joining the UK’s list of 1,000 most wealthy people.
But the feat of winning £100million or more has only been achieved by 14 other players in the UK.
Andy revealed to HOAR the numbers make the most appearances and how to boost your chances.
What are the most common numbers for EuroMillions?
To play the EuroMillions, you’ll need to pick five number between one and 50, and two lucky star numbers between one and 12.
The winning numbers for Tuesday’s (August 23) £74million draw were 19, 26, 31, 39 and 48, and the two lucky stars were two and three.
Andy said: “Since September 2016, when Lucky Star 12 was introduced, the numbers which have made the most appearances in EuroMillions draws are 23, 19, 50, 38 and 44.
“And the most drawn Lucky Stars are two, and three – but remember it’s all a game of chance.”
Which are the most common numbers for Lotto?
To win the Lotto you need to match six numbers. Match five main numbers and the bonus ball and you’ll take home £1million.
When the Lotto was first launched, you could pick numbers from 1 to 49, but the choice was extended up to 59 back in October 2015.
The winning numbers for Wednesday’s (August 24) £78.5million draw were 10, 14, 25, 32, 35 and 39.
You can play up to seven lines of numbers on each pay slip and buy up to 10 slips at a time.
Andy said: “Since the addition of numbers 49 to 59, the most common drawn main numbers are 40, 23, 38, 39, 27 and 33.
“And the most drawn Bonus Ball is 45.”
How can I boost my chances?
While there’s no rhyme or reason as to why one number is drawn more than another – it’s good to shake up your methods.
Andy said: “Every draw from one of the machines is completely random – every ball has the same chance of coming out.”
Andy recommends lots of infrequent tickets purchases, as well as opting to play a Lucky Dip rather than picking your own numbers.
He said: “Don’t be put off by the Lucky Dip, it’s there to save you from having to pick your own numbers.
Among those who choose their own numbers, the most commonly picked ones tend to be lower – between 1 and 31 – as many players select based on dates such as birthdays or anniversaries.
But, as you can see from Lotto draws, there’s not always a good spread of numbers, and the same ones come up frequently.
With that in mind, Andy said it’s worth going for a Lucky Dip every now and again to mix up your choices.
Check how you pay for the lottery
Many families pay for their tickets via direct debit on their National Lottery account so they don’t miss a draw.
But those looking to buy a house soon might want to reconsider how they pay.
Quilter mortgage expert Charlotte Nixon previously told HOAR that lenders could see this as a red flag in some cases.
Paying big amounts on tickets instead of a flutter here and there could make lenders look “less favourably” on your mortgage application.
