Why People Keep Playing the Same Lottery Numbers for Years

We all know those lottery players who will pick the same numbers over and over each week (or even several times a week, depending on the game).

They swear that they’re bound to get lucky if they keep playing their lucky numbers. Or, they’re worried that if they don’t pick their lucky numbers one week, their special combination will award someone else the prize.

Sadly, there’s no set formula for winning the lottery. Choosing the same numbers each week isn’t a great strategy because it doesn’t increase your odds of winning.

According to US Mega Million, a better strategy might be to choose the most commonly drawn Mega Millions lottery numbers (63, 61, 32, and 21) or avoid the least lucky ones (49, 34, 29, 26, and 13).

Most Common Reasons Why Players Choose the Same Lottery Numbers

Every lottery player has their own strategy behind choosing their numbers, but let’s look at a few of the most common reasons why some players choose the same lottery numbers over and over.

They’re Superstitious

Because the lottery is a game of chance and totally random, a lot of players are very superstitious about their numbers.

It’s not easy for the human brain to believe that anything can be left to chance. There has to be a reason for everything, right?

Sadly, lottery numbers are random. The odds of winning the lottery are about 1 in 14 million. Your odds of being struck by lightning are 1 in 15,300; your odds of dying in a car crash are 1 in 107.

When it comes down to it, the odds of winning the lottery are not in your favor.

They’re Afraid They Might Miss Out

Many lottery players who choose the same numbers over and over do so because they are afraid of missing out. They believe that if they don’t happen to choose their numbers one week, that might be the week that their lucky numbers are drawn.

They Assume Their Numbers Will Eventually Hit

Most players believe that statistically, they’re numbers will have to hit eventually. Unfortunately, this is simply not true.

Unlike with other games of chance, lottery numbers are never removed from play after they’re won. This means that the number 15 can be drawn each time lottery numbers are chosen.

Just as slot machines aren’t guaranteed to pay a win “at some point”, lottery numbers aren’t guaranteed to be drawn as long as you keep playing them.

They’re Emotionally Attached to Their Numbers

If you win the lottery playing your lucky numbers, your child’s birthday, or your anniversary, it makes the win more personal, more special.

You can say that you were meant to win the lottery because you chose numbers that align with your life. Suddenly, the lottery isn’t some “random” win. You won because you deserved to win.

They Don’t Want to Choose New Ones

The most basic reason people choose the same lottery numbers over and over? They simply don’t feel like choosing new ones. They don’t love the idea of quick picks, and coming up with new “lucky” numbers each week is a daunting task.