Lottery Numbers

[xyzzyplugh]

Is 1,2,3,4,5,6. less likely to turn up than say 8, 15, 25, 38, 40, 45?

[StuDapples]

I'd say any combination of numbers are as likely as any other.

[lisaj]

StuDapples is correct: any six numbers are as equally likely as any other six numbers

[sft42]

i remember going for training to use the machines when the lottery first started and was told that each week in New York over 10,000 people pick 1-6 as their numbers so even though the chances are the same you won't be winning millions. Camelot won't for some reason release these figures but the most consecutive numbers in any lottery in the world has been four out of six(or was a couple of years ago) so the odds do seem stacked against you if you pick six in a row

[Joanne-G]

In responce to stf42. Yes the odds are stacked 14million+ against you so lisaj is correct, the chances of winning any combination are the same, also the chances of you choosing six consecutive numbers that others have chosen is going to be higher too, as so many people do it without thinking. (i.e. your winnings are going to be sevearly dented coz of others doing the same) At odds of 14 mill against for a one quid bet, I admit I will sometimes get a ticket on the odd rollover week but expect the same results........ zero..........(OK .......... I will change that answer when I win......suitors form an orderly line thank you.............)

[jenstar]

Small correction: Joanne-G says the odds are "14million+" to 1; actually the true odds are slightly better than that - somewhere in the 13.9 million-to-one range, I believe. Still not a particularly good investment, though.

[osullivp]

As each number pulled out is a mutually exclusive event, any combination of numbers has equal chance of coming out, so the real answer is no. However, I read a while ago that a few thousand tickets are bought for every draw with the numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6, obviously in the hope of the fame that would come with winning with those selections. So if you were to choose them, you'd receive a particularly small jackpot!