The reader is taken step by step through the history and mechanics of lotteries, simple probability theory, number wheeling, odds calculation and all of the other basic essentials that players want to know. It is written in plain everyday English, assumes no special numerical skills; and anyone who can add, subtract, multipy and divide (even with the aid of a calculator) can attain a fair level of expertise in this game.

However, while the book also caters for the needs of the more advanced player, all of the technical information presented is optional reading. The author strongly maintains that you dont need to become a rocket-scientist just to enjoy a simple weekly flutter, or learn how to play the game more intelligently. The casual player can choose to ignore the technicalities entirely and just apply a few simple principles, read about the history of this very old game, chuckle over true accounts of sheer luck and unbelievable human greed, or be amazed by record lottery wins (and losses!), gigantic fraud attempts that very nearly worked, and syndicate buyouts that never do.

The book also contains an element of humor interspersed with news stories, amusing anecdotes and a few topical cartoons to lighten the technicalities, which alone makes it well worth reading.

Just a few of the many other topics covered are: an analysis of why those schemes, systems and commonly held myths can't work; popular playing strategies that will cost you money; what games to avoid and how to identify them; when to buy into a game; a detailed comparision of the two principal entry types; how to set up your own syndicate or pool; and GENUINE strategies for maximising our returns and indirectly increasing our chances of winning.