When Italian students hack the lotto with AI
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13 Mar 2025 •
Reading time: 2 minutes Three mathematics students from the University of Salento in Lecce, Italy, recently made headlines by using artificial intelligence to win substantial lottery prizes. Their adventure began with a simple question: what if AI could unlock the mysteries of chance?
Developing a predictive algorithm
Driven by their passion for mathematics and technology, the three friends developed a machine learning algorithm. This sophisticated tool analysed lotto draws over the last two years, looking for patterns or frequencies that could guide their choice of numbers. Unlike traditional strategies that focus on ‘late’ numbers, their approach focused on the most frequently drawn numbers.
Their first attempt was successful. By playing the numbers suggested by their algorithm in a tobacconist’s shop in Monteroni di Lecce, they won the sum of €4,500. This first win strengthened their conviction in the effectiveness of their method and encouraged them to take the experiment further.
A daring bet for a €43,000 jackpot
Building on this initial success, the trio decided to invest more time and money in refining their algorithm. They spent a further 300 euros on new grids, optimised by their improved system. This bold move paid off: they won 43,000 euros on their second attempt.
Can AI really predict chance?
These successes raise an intriguing question: can artificial intelligence really predict the outcome of a game of chance like the lottery? The students recognise that, despite their winnings, the lotto is still a random game. Their algorithm offers no guarantee of victory, but it demonstrates the potential of AI to analyse massive data and identify exploitable trends, even in areas that are reputed to be unpredictable.
The scientific community and the general public have reacted with fascination to this story. While some see it as a major technological advance, others point to the ethical and practical limits of using AI in gambling. Nevertheless, this experience opens the way to new thinking about the potential applications of artificial intelligence in unexpected fields.