Australians going blotto for lotto

Jun 30, 2009, 5:12 GMT

   Sydney - Punters in queues at lottery ticket shops were pushing and shoving Tuesday despite warnings from statisticians that their chances of dying before the draw are higher than winning the biggest ever jackpot in Australia's history.

   An Oz Lotto spokesman said that half of all adults held tickets for the 100-million-dollar (81-million-US-dollar) first-division prize.

   Shops will stay open an extra hour to collect even more millions for the pool.

   Among those steeled against the gambling frenzy was Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who told national radio that although he held no pecuniary interest in the draw 'others could engage in the Lotto as they see most appropriate.'

   Millions will gather with family, friends and workmates for Lotto parties, where almost all of those who have piled into gambling syndicates will commiserate with one another on their bad luck.

   University of New South Wales statistician David Watson estimated the chances of winning were about one in 45 million - less than dying from a snake bite, being struck down by lightning or being killed by a bee sting.

   'If you buy a ticket the day before the draw you have greater chance of dying before the lottery is drawn than you do of winning,' he said.