Learn about gambling
Quick quiz 1: The odds of a big win
Getting to know the odds of winning for different gambling activities can really help put your chances into perspective. Though the odds are longest on lottery type gambling, the risk of developing a gambling problem is low.
Winning 1st Division Lotto?
13,900,000 to 1
Scoring a 300 game in 10-pin bowling?
11,500 to 1
Professional golfer hitting a hole in one?
2,500 to 1
Amateur golfer hitting a hole in one?
12,500 to 1 (on a par 3 hole)
Winning Powerball?
76,767,600 to 1 (all 6 numbers plus the Powerball)
Hitting the jackpot on a $1 poker machine?
9,700,000 to 1 (for a typical prize of $5,000)
Being dealt a royal flush in the first 5 cards of a poker hand?
649,740 to 1
Quick quiz 2: The odds of developing a problem with gambling
Research shows that people who gamble regularly have more chance of developing a problem with gambling than of having a big win. The probability may increase depending on the reasons you gamble and the type of gambling you favour.
If you don’t gamble at all?
You’re safe
If you only gamble occasionally?
50 to 1
If you gamble once a week or more other than lottery-style gambling?
7 to 1
