Since 1931, NSW Lotteries has developed a reputation for probity and social responsibility in the way it conducts its business activities. While most observers do not classify lottery play as "real" gambling, the Corporation was one of the first participants in the gaming industry to actively respond to community concern over problem gambling.
The NSW Lotteries Responsible Gambling Program, introduced in 1998, is tailored to specific requirements of the lottery industry and players. The program comprises a number of elements covering the sale and promotion of lottery products - a national Code of Practice, an Advertising Code of Practice, the responsible play message - NSW Lotteries encourages you to play responsibly, and compliance activities. These initiatives demonstrate the Corporation's commitment to ensuring that all possible action is taken to minimise any negative impacts from the sale and promotion of our products.
Since November 2001, NSW Lotteries has been working with its retail network to implement the requirements of the NSW Government's Responsible Gaming Regulation, which requires:
- The odds to be displayed in any how to play information
- Odds and Gambling Help message on the corporate website
- Provision of the "All online tickets and entry forms to carry Gambling Help message
- Poster with Gambling Help message
- Gambling Help message on all print advertising
Lotteries and problem gambling
Lottery games are unlikely to be a significant factor in problem
gambling compared to "continuous" forms such gaming
machines. The key features of lottery games are:
- There is limited opportunity for repeat betting, either
in terms of the nature of the sales outlet or in the format
of the game;
- The time between draws is generally days, rather than
seconds or minutes;
- The size of the prospective prizes is not directly proportionate
to the sum invested (compared with race betting where the
prize received is entirely dependent on the amount wagered);
- Lottery purchases often form an incidental part of many
players' normal life routine;
- Players clearly differentiate lottery games from "continuous"
forms of gambling;
- Retail lottery activity takes place in an atmosphere,
circumstances or location which is familiar and acceptable
to virtually the entire community;
- Chances are essentially random; and
- Very little or no player skill is involved.
Info About The Odds Brochure
The NSW Government has developed a series of brochures to provide consumers with the opportunity to make informed choices about gambling and to reduce the risk of some people becoming problem gamblers. The brochures in the Info About The Odds series are designed to provide gambling consumers with easy to understand information about gambling, the chances of winning and where to get help for a gambling problem. The Info About The Odds brochure "...Betting on Lotto Lotteries or Keno?" focuses on the chances of winning Lotto games, Lotteries or Keno. Other brochures in the series cover the odds of machine gaming and casino games, as well information for problem gamblers and their families and friends. Click here to access the text of the brochure. The Info About The Odds brochure is also available in seven community languages here
Lottery Odds
In addition to the general lottery odds contained in the Info About The Odds brochure, this site contains detailed information on the odds of winning the different games sold by NSW Lotteries. Click here for the odds of winning.
Gambling information and assistance
If you want to talk to someone who can help with information, counselling and referral, call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858. Hearing impaired callers contact the Gambling Helpline via the National Relay Service. Counsellors are available at any time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You don't have to give your name. Interpreter services are available for non-English speakers.
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