Are the Odds in Your Favour?

Are the Odds in Your Favour?

Everyday across the world, people try their hand at the lottery to see if they can escape the rat race. In the UK, the chance of actually winning the National Lottery jackpot is 1 in 13,983,816. Most of us know deep down it’s unlikely to ever occur, but let’s be honest, stranger things have happened. For example, did you know that the likelihood of being in a fatal shark attack is just 1 in 8 million?

We’ve teamed up with Paddy Power Online Games to take a look at some of the more bizarre odds from across the globe!

Lightning

Hiding safely indoors during a storm, thunder and lightning can look like the coolest thing in the world. However, out in the open it can be a very different story. The odds of being struck by lightning is a worryingly low 300,000 to one.

Asteroid

Deep Impact? Armageddon? Hollywood makes the likelihood of earth being struck by an asteroid considerably more likely than it is. The odds of actually being killed by an asteroid impact? 1 in 74,817,414, according to The Economist magazine. Suddenly those movies feel a little less realistic.

Being Dealt A Royal Flush

Let’s stay away from the topic of death for just a second. Whether you’re a poker whizz or not, if you can get your hands on a Royal Flush, you’ve got the game in the bag. However, not as easy as it sounds. The odds of being dealt a royal flush in Texas Hold ‘em poker are 1 in 35,000, meaning you’ll mostly have to rely on your skills and sunglasses to win the pot.

Becoming a Saint

Alright, this is a weird one, even we’ll admit. The chances you’ll achieve sainthood are a ridiculous 1 in 20 million, but there’s a few reasons why that number’s so high. To actually become a saint, you have to achieve the following :-

1. Be a devout Catholic.
2. Live saintly life.
3. Perform at least two miracles recognised by the church.
4. Wait 5 years after death (sorry)
5. Get Canonised.

Long story short, this one probably isn’t happening.

Actually Being Born

How’s this for a big number. Ever feel like you’re not important? Like nothing matters? Well trust us, the likelihood of you being here is near impossible so, feel lucky.

The odds of you existing are around 1 in 400 trillion. This planet we live on, is around 4.543 billion years, which means consistently, for 4 and a ½ billion years, all of your ancestors have had to achieve the following:-

1. Be born
2. Survive until reproductive maturity
3. Meet a mate
4. Reproduce

That’s been consistent without fail up until your birth, so next time you feel unimportant, just remember it took a lot for you to be here!

Learn something new today? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to share it with your pals. Something insane we missed off our little list? Let us know!