Responsible gambling
The lottery and betting on the 49's are gambling. Over time they pay back less than they take in, so on average players lose money. Play for fun, with money you can afford to lose, or do not play.
What the odds really mean
On the UK 49's, six balls are drawn from 49: one Lucky Number has a chance of about 1 in 8 of coming out, and every extra number you add makes the bet far less likely to win. A bookmaker pays less than the true odds, which is how it makes its margin. On the National Lottery the jackpot odds run into the millions: about 1 in 20 million on Lotto and about 1 in 34 million on PowerBall.
Every draw is independent. A number that came out last week is no more and no less likely to come out this week. No tip, chart, dream or system changes the odds of a random draw, and the statistics on this site are a record of what has happened, not a prediction.
The expected result is a loss. For every rand spent on tickets and bets, less than a rand goes back to players in prizes. A ticket is the price of a little entertainment, not an investment.
Keep it small
- Set a monthly amount in advance and treat it like money for a night out. When it is gone, it is gone until next month.
- Do not borrow to play, and do not use money meant for bills, rent or food.
- Do not chase losses. Playing more after a bad week does not make winning the next one more likely.
- Do not play to pay off debts or solve a problem. It will not solve it.
- You must be 18 or over. Never buy tickets or place bets for anyone under 18.
- Take breaks. Missing a week costs you nothing.
Signs it is no longer small
- You spend more than you planned, most weeks.
- You hide from your family how much you spend.
- You borrow money or sell things to keep playing.
- You feel restless or irritable when you do not play.
- You think about the next draw when you should be thinking about something else.
- Your bills, your sleep, your work or your relationships are suffering.
Where to get help
South Africa's National Responsible Gambling Programme runs a free, confidential helpline on 0800 006 008, with counselling and treatment for people with gambling problems and for their families. It is a sensible first step.
Talk to someone you trust, or to a health professional. Your doctor, a psychologist or a mental health service can help even if they do not specialise in gambling. Gamblers Anonymous also holds meetings in South Africa.
Family members often find it easier to make the first call than the person who gambles.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call the emergency services.
Lotto49s does not sell tickets, take bets or make predictions. We show results that have already happened. If a page here makes buying more tickets or placing more bets look like a plan, close it and read this one again.