Lottery · Practical guide

Two lotto bundles: count the unique combinations first

Author — okbet

A package with multiple lottery lines does not always have that many distinct combinations. Before comparing coverage, first remove duplicates for the same draw from the count. The number of billed entries and the number of unique sets are two different things.

Original illustration. The labels and numbers shown are examples; not an image of the actual ticket, draw or game.

A small bundle that counts

Same hypothetical draw; 4 records but 3 unique sets.
False bundle entry	Unordered six-number set	Unique key
A	01,08,14,22,31,42	Set 1
B	42,31,22,14,08,01	Set 1
C	03,09,17,24,32,40	Set 2
D	05,10,18,26,33,41	Set 3

Where does the coverage come from?

In the uniform unordered 6/42 model, there are C(42,6) = 5,245,786 possible outcomes. Three distinct complete sets in the same draw have a 3/5,245,786 chance of including the drawn set. Duplicated Set 1 is not a new outcome. This is the count of distinct matching outcomes, not the calculation of any cash prize.

Original illustration. The labels and numbers shown are examples; not an image of the actual ticket, draw or game.

Do not combine different draws

If Entry B is for a different date, it is not a duplicate purchase of the same event. Create key game + date/session + sorted set. The Game Manual has combinations and draw-specific rules; the PCSO archive has game and date labels needed for identity check.

What else needs to be read in the offer?

Record the actual confirmed entries, total charge, and what draws are covered. “Four lines” in the screenshot are not enough if the underlying sets are not visible. If there is a prize-sharing or ownership agreement, that is a different document; it is not inferred from the union count. Don’t use a larger bundle as an excuse to exceed the set limit.

For other formats, read bingo and lottery hub. Naa library of guides the topics are more detailed; the okbet has a general overview of the site.

Methodology: documentary reading and own example or calculation. Sources checked 6 October 2026; no ticket purchased or draw played for the guide. Hypothetical models are not live results, predictions or claim approvals.