Winning the lottery is pure chance. TRUE

All number combinations have an equal chance of winning. TRUE

It does not matter which numbers you choose. FALSE

It does not matter which lottery you play. FALSE

It is not entirely true that there is no skill in playing Lotto. Admittedly whether you win or not is entirely down to luck. However how much you win if you do win can be affected by the numbers you chose. Some numbers are less popular than others so you are likely to win more if you do win with these numbers. This can make a big difference, particularly to consolation prizes and the avoidance of shared jackpots.

The other huge factor is the rollover. It is an intelligent strategy only to buy a ticket when a rollover is in play. This improves the winning amount/chance of winning ratio. Put another way, it is better to buy two (different) tickets when there is a rollover than to buy one ticket when there is no rollover and one when there is.

I agree that lotteries are a bad bet and always advise anyone to buy one ticket maximum and only buy a ticket for the big prize lotteries where winning, however unlikely, would make a life-changing difference. Players are buying hope, not making a sensible investment. The fact is, winning the lottery for many people represents the only realistic chance of achieving exceptional wealth. The chances are remote but the chance does exist.

There are several important principles:

• invest the smallest amount possible - one ticket gives you a chance, further tickets are bad bets
• only play big prize, pari-mutuel lotteries (Lotto, Powerball, Mega Millions, Euromillions)
• choose numbers statistically proven to lead to big prizes
• look out for rollovers

Finally, don't give up the day job. Work hard on your career, invest wisely and be happy.