Tips for Choosing Lottery Numbers: Myths vs Facts
Every week, millions of South Africans try their luck by playing the Lotto, PowerBall, or Daily Lotto. And while winning is never guaranteed, there’s one part you do have control over: choosing lottery numbers.
From Lucky Charms and birthdays to number charts and quick picks, there are many different ways people choose their numbers. But how many of these are based on facts, and how many are just myths?
Let’s break down some of the most common beliefs and see what really matters when it comes to choosing lottery numbers.
ALSO READ: A Beginner’s Guide to Responsible Gambling
Myth 1: Some Numbers Are Luckier Than Others
Many people believe that certain numbers, like 7 or 13, are luckier and get drawn more often.
The truth: Every number in a lottery draw has the same chance of being picked. It doesn’t matter if it came up yesterday or hasn’t been seen in weeks; the odds stay the same.
According to the National Lottery South Africa, each draw is completely random and is closely monitored to make sure it’s fair. So don’t waste time picking “lucky” numbers; just go with a variety.
Myth 2: Using Birthdays Increases Your Chances
A lot of players use birthdays and anniversaries when choosing lottery numbers. It’s personal and easy to remember.
The truth: Birthdays only give you numbers between 1 and 31. That means you’re ignoring all the higher numbers, like 35, 42, or 49, which are just as likely to be drawn. By limiting your number choices, you lower your chances of getting a unique combination.
Plus, since many people use the same strategy, if you do win, you’re more likely to share the prize with others who picked similar numbers.
Myth 3: Quick Pick Numbers Are Less Likely to Win
Some people feel that using Quick Pick (letting the system randomly choose numbers) is “lazy” and reduces their chances.
The truth: Quick Pick tickets win just as often as manually selected ones. In fact, many lottery jackpots in South Africa and around the world are won using Quick Picks, simply because more people use them.
The key word here is random. The draw is random, and so are the Quick Pick numbers. No system or method increases your odds.
Myth 4: Avoid Past Winning Numbers
It’s common to avoid numbers that have already won, thinking they won’t come up again.
The truth: Lottery draws don’t have memory. Just because a number has already appeared doesn’t mean it won’t show up again. Every draw is a fresh start, and all numbers have equal chances every single time.
Fact: Spread Out Your Numbers
There’s no secret formula, but some smart habits can help you play more effectively. One is to avoid number patterns and spread your choices across the board.
Try to:
- Use both high and low numbers.
- Mix odd and even numbers.
- Stay away from obvious patterns like “1, 2, 3, 4, 5” or “10, 20, 30, 40, 50.”
These combinations might look neat, but they’re very popular, which means if you win, you might have to split the prize with many other people.
Fact: Lottery Stats Can Help You Pick Better
You can’t predict the winning numbers, but you can look at stats to play smarter. Websites like LottoNumbers.com and the official South African National Lottery provide tools to see:
- How often a number has been drawn
- Which numbers are drawn together?
- What combinations are most common?
This doesn’t mean you’ll win the jackpot, but it helps you avoid using numbers that are picked by many others, so if you win, you could keep more of the prize for yourself.
Some players also use “wheeling systems” to play more combinations using a set of favorite numbers. These strategies are helpful for those playing regularly with a set budget.
Myth 5: Someone Wins the Jackpot Every Draw
Many people believe that each draw always has a jackpot winner.
The truth: That’s not always the case. Sometimes the jackpot rolls over several times before someone finally hits all the right numbers. This means the prize grows, but it also means there’s no guarantee someone will win every time.
Don’t think you’re “due” for a win just because there hasn’t been one in a while. The odds stay the same for everyone, every draw.
Fact: Stick to Your Budget and Play for Fun
No strategy can beat the odds of the lottery. What you can do is play responsibly:
- Set a limit for how much you spend.
- Don’t chase your losses.
- Play in a group (a syndicate) to increase your chances without spending more.
If you feel like you’re spending too much or gambling is affecting your life, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation offers free support.
Stay Smart When Choosing Lottery Numbers
At the end of the day, choosing lottery numbers should be fun. It’s a game of chance, and every number has the same odds of being drawn. But by avoiding common myths and playing wisely, you can enjoy the experience more, and if you do win, you might even keep a bigger share for yourself.
Always play within your means, keep your combinations fresh and random, and stay updated by checking official results on the National Lottery website.
Good luck, and remember, it only takes one ticket to change your life.
MORE READ: Responsible Gambling Tips Every Player Should Know
