Lotteries, keno and scratchies
Lotteries, scratchies, and keno are games of chance where numbers are drawn at random for prizes. Each ticket gives you an entry, but the odds of winning and the prize, vary by game. These games are designed for entertainment. They are not a way to make money. Big wins are rare, so it’s important to be realistic and expect to lose. These games are strictly controlled by the NSW Government to make sure they're fair and follow the rules.
Can you improve the odds?
The chances of winning lottery-style games are extremely low. Winning numbers are drawn completely at random, so every ticket has the same chance. Each draw is independent, meaning past results don’t affect future ones. There’s no way to predict what will happen next or use a strategy to improve your chances, you can’t influence the outcome.
The odds also can’t be changed by the lottery operator whenever they want. Any changes must be approved by the NSW Government to make sure the system stays fair.
Common myths about improving your odds
Many people think there are tricks to boost their chances in lottery-style games, but there aren’t. Common myths include:
- Some numbers are 'luckier' thank others
- Avoiding recent winning numbers improves your odds
- Patterns, systems, or formulas can help
- Choosing your own numbers beats QuickPick
- More expensive tickets have better odds
- Buying more from a 'lucky' store increases your chances
- You're due for a win if you've played for years
- Picking uncommon numbers improves your odds
- Past draws don't matter, every draw is random and independent
The reality is no system, or strategy can improve your chances. Lottery draws are completely random.
What are the odds?
- Powerball: To win Division 1, you must match all seven winning numbers plus the Powerball in one game panel. The odds are 1 in 134,490,400.
- Saturday Lotto: To win Division 1, you must match all six winning numbers in one game panel. The odds are 1 in 8,145,060.
- Oz Lotto: To win Division 1, you must match all seven winning numbers in one game panel. The odds are 1 in 62,891,499.
- Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot: There are two draws, the first determining prize winners and the second to determine if the Jackpot is won. The Jackpot Prize is won if the second-draw number matches any first-draw cash-prize number. The odds are 1 in 9,483,168.
- Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot: As in the Mega Jackpot, the Jackpot Prize is won if the second-draw number matches any first-draw cash-prize number. The odds are 1 in 18,385,877.
- Lotto Strike: To win Division 1, you must match all four winning Lotto numbers in the exact order drawn. The odds are 1 in 3,575,880.
- Instant Scratch-Its: The chances of winning the top-prize will depend on the game type and the prizes remaining. Check the back of the ticket for the odds of winning its top prize for the specific game.
- Keno: You choose 1–10, 15, 20 or 40 numbers. In each game, 20 numbers are drawn from 80, and prizes depend on how many of your numbers match. Choosing 7–10 numbers gives you a chance to win the jackpot. The odds of winning the 10-number jackpot are 1 in 8,911,711.
