The chances of scooping the UK Lottery jackpot
UK Lottery jackpot
There is nothing wrong in keeping the dream of winning the lottery jackpot alive, but at the same time players should be aware of the fact that the odds are stacked against them. Understanding their underdog status and accepting the fact that it is more likely not to win anything important, is the first step towards having fun when playing the lottery and avoiding addiction.
A bridge too far
Winning the jackpot is the reason for every player to purchase a UK lottery ticket, and when talking about the main draw it is this amount that is more present in conversations. Even though they don’t really expect to accurately predict the lucky numbers, many go to great lengths to develop intricate systems aimed at maximizing their chances. To put things into context, it is important to mention that predicting all six numbers out of the 49 pool will happen once in 14 million cases.
This explains why it is so difficult to win a jackpot of over £2 million, and why so frequently nobody wins and the prize is rolled over. While the jackpot is the number one concern for players, the second tier prizes of five numbers plus the bonus number frequently exceeds £100,000. The odds are slightly better but you still have only one chance in 2,330,636 to win so the players shouldn’t hold their breath for winning this amount either. If it happens once-in-a-lifetime you can consider yourself incredibly lucky and you have no reason of feeling regret about missing the big jackpot.
Prizes that are more likely to win
Unless you set your expectations too high and you play the lottery regularly, you will probably win eventually one of lower tier prizes. Indicating five numbers has a chance in 55,491, but the reward is a meek £1,500, while predicting for numbers would further decrease the winnings to a dismal £65. As the amount of money decreases, the chances of actually winning rise dramatically and the odds of having four numbers drawn are roughly 0.1%.
In theory, a player can expect to win this consolation prize in a couple of years if he doesn’t miss any lottery draw, although the profits will not even remotely offset the expenses. Last but not least, there are the prizes awarded to those who have three numbers drawn, and for a 2% chance of winning, the lottery considers fair an amount of £10. The bottom line is that the chances of winning any prize are about 54 to 1, but realistically you have no reason to count on winning the UK Lottery jackpot. Those who are lucky enough to win it will have their lives changed forever, and this is a dream that is worth playing for.
