If you've ever considered entering the UK National Lottery's Lotto game, you may have wondered how the numbers are drawn, or whether some numbers may appear more often than others.
The Lotto is a type of draw-based game, which means the winning numbers are picked randomly at scheduled times. It's a game of chance. This means there's no way to predict the outcome, or improve your odds by choosing certain numbers.
However, many players like to look at historical results to see which numbers have appeared frequently in past draws. While this won't improve your chances, it can potentially make choosing numbers more interesting.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most commonly drawn numbers in the Lotto game. These figures come from National-Lottery.com, an independent results service that tracks data from National Lotteries around the world. The numbers listed below are specific to the UK’s Lotto game.
We’ll also look at how people choose numbers, what makes a number “popular”, and whether selecting frequently drawn numbers really makes any difference. If you’re new to this, don’t worry — this guide will keep things clear and easy to follow.
What Are The Most Common Numbers Drawn In The Lottery?
Every Lotto draw is carried out at random. No number is more likely to be chosen than any other. But over time, some numbers have appeared more often in past results.
According to draw history recorded by National-Lottery.com, these are some of the numbers that have been drawn most frequently in the Lotto:
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52 – drawn 120 times
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39 – drawn 119 times
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37 – drawn 118 times
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58 – drawn 116 times
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27 – drawn 113 times
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42 – drawn 113 times
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11 – drawn 111 times
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54 – drawn 111 times
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20 – drawn 110 times
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34 – drawn 110 times
This pattern continues across the rest of the number set, with some appearing just under 100 times. For example:
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15 – drawn 95 times
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26 – drawn 95 times
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1 – drawn 93 times
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6 – drawn 91 times
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48 – drawn 87 times
These figures reflect the number of appearances in historical draws, not future odds. Every draw is an independent event, and each number — whether it's been drawn before or not — has the same chance of being picked.
What Are The Most Popular Numbers On The Lottery?
Popular numbers aren’t just based on how often they’re drawn. Many players choose numbers based on personal reasons. Birthdays, anniversaries, and meaningful dates are common choices. Because calendar dates only go up to 31, numbers between 1 and 31 are often picked more frequently.
Other choices might include:
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“Lucky” numbers, such as 7 or 3, which some consider to have personal significance.
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Numbers that may form patterns on the playslip.
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Repeated digits or sequences, such as 11 or 22.
It’s important to note that these selections don’t improve your odds of winning, but they might feel more personal. That’s part of what makes the game so entertaining for some people.
Should You Choose Popular Lottery Numbers?
Choosing popular numbers is entirely up to you. Some people like to go with numbers that show up more often in historical data. Others prefer to select numbers with meaning to them.
One point to consider is this: if you pick numbers that are commonly chosen by other players — such as dates or historically frequent numbers — and your line is drawn, you might end up sharing the prize. That would mean a lower potential payout per person.
On the other hand, choosing less common combinations might reduce the chance of possibly splitting a prize, though again, the odds of winning remain the same regardless of the numbers chosen.
Whether your selection is based on history, personal preference, or a completely random mix, each combination has an equal probability of appearing in any given draw.
What Are The Best Numbers For The Lottery?
There’s no such thing as the “best” number in a game of chance. The Lotto is random by design. No method of number picking — whether it’s based on patterns, popular picks, or personal dates — will give you an edge.
Some people enjoy looking at previous results to build a line of numbers that have been drawn more often. Others prefer to use a Lucky Dip, which is where numbers are chosen randomly by the system for you. There’s no right or wrong way to pick.
Ultimately, the best numbers are the ones that feel right for you. That could mean historical favourites, meaningful dates, or simply a mix you like the look of.
Before taking part, make sure you're familiar with how the Lotto game works. There are different lottery formats in the UK, such as Set For Life or EuroMillions, and each one has its own rules and potential prize structure. Always read the terms and conditions of the game you're entering.
And finally, remember that the Lotto is a form of gambling. It's intended as entertainment. Wins can happen, but they can't be predicted. If you ever feel you're spending more than you planned, or if it’s not feeling enjoyable, support is available at BeGambleAware.org. Please play responsibly.
*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.