<i>Funny that they allow multiple people to pick the same numbers, then.</i><p>Why shouldn&#x27;t they? It&#x27;s to the lottery&#x27;s benefit. Two reasons:<p>1) People are attached to &quot;their&quot; numbers, and would be very upset if you didn&#x27;t let them pick exactly the ones they want. Alienated players equals lower participation.<p>2) There are more overlaps when people pick than when the computer picks. Which means that, each drawing, there is a lower probability of someone hitting the jackpot than if all numbers are distinct. Which means the money rolls over and the next drawing has a larger prize. Eventually the prize is $800 million and people get excited and buy even more tickets. It&#x27;s even being discussed on HN.