I’ve always known that Camelot load the UK Lottery
disproportionately against the punter.
If prizes were awarded according to chances of winning, that measly tanner
they dole out for three correct numbers would be at least £57. Which is one of the reasons I've never dabbled in what must be one of the most boring gambles around.
I have always preferred the Irish Lottery, which has fewer
numbers (45) and where you can get fixed odds online of well over 500/1 if the three numbers you
select are among the six winning balls. A few years ago, I won THREE timeswithin a couple of months – including a freak double after I put my £1 internet stake on twice by
mistake!
Why I stopped liaising with the leprechauns, I have no idea
(note to self, must have a little dabble again soon). Anyway, it’s all been overtaken
by EuroMillions, a mere 116-million-to-one
jackpot shot, and also costs twice as much to enter a line as its
British equivalent.
I liken both draws to naming six playing cards, then picking
those same six from a full pack spread face down in front of you. Logically it
is nigh on impossible – but if more than 14 million people attempt it, the odds are
that someone will come up trumps.But you can be sure it won't be you or me.
Having said that, a couple of weeks ago on Friday the 13th, I came closer to that EuroMillions
jackpot than I've ever done. My lucky dip numbers were 4, 15, 27, 33 and 48, with 6 and 10 as
the lucky stars. The draw itself threw up 4, 6, 14, 27 and 33 with 5 and 10 as
lucky stars.
Has 14 been 15, and 5 been 6, I would have won €6,600. Instead,
my collection of three correct numbers and one lucky star – a 654/1 chance - won me the magnificent total of 13 euros.
Unlucky for some? Well, at least it was tax free.
