Jump directly to the content
NAME OF THE GAME

Here are the names and jobs of people most likely to win the lottery

If you know someone called Derek or Karen, you might want to make them your new BFF...

MOST of us have dreamt about winning the National Lottery.

Regular players can't help but imagine what they'd do with a few million quid as they eagerly await the numbers generated by those colourful balls every week.

 A study has claimed people who have certain names are more likely to win the lottery
3
A study has claimed people who have certain names are more likely to win the lotteryCredit: Getty - Contributor

While the chances of bagging the jackpot is around one in 14 million (sorry), there are certain factors that make you more likely to be a winner.

A new study has revealed that people with certain names have a better chance of their numbers coming up.

Online lottery platform  analysed National lottery data from the time it began back in 1995 to now and found certain patterns in people who have won.

Let's just say, if you know someone called Derek or Karen, you might want to make them your new BFF.

 Bowls player Derek Ladner doubled his money after winning two £479,142 shares of the jackpot by buying two tickets in 2013
3
Bowls player Derek Ladner doubled his money after winning two £479,142 shares of the jackpot by buying two tickets in 2013Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

Apparently, 44-year-old tradesmen called Derek are most likely to win the top prize.

Four winners over the past 22 years have been called Derek and David/Dave.

It's also been won three times by people called Alex, John and Karen.

The odds could also be tipped in your favour if you live in Northamptonshire or Yorkshire, as each county has been home to 11 wins.

 Karen Child, from Chesterfield, won £8,471,383 in February 2007
3
Karen Child, from Chesterfield, won £8,471,383 in February 2007Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Meanwhile ten winners have come from Merseyside, eight have been from South Wales and seven from Greater Manchester.

And there's good news for the ladies, as while the top five winner names are male-dominated, women win bigger lump sums than men according to the research, with an average of £20.14million compared to £18.23million.

In terms of jobs, builders, carpenters and mechanics are the most frequent lottery winners.

So next time you're on Tinder, make sure you swipe right for any bloke called Derek (or Dave), who is a mechanic living in Yorkshire.

And if your name's Karen, get down the shop to pick up your ticket pronto.

Earlier today we told how the EuroMillions £58m jackpot has been won by a single British ticket holder as they finally claimed their bumper prize.

Some people have all the luck.

Donna and David Stickley from Slough are £21,044,592 richer after finding jackpot lottery ticket in handbag week after draw