numbers game

noun

1. an illegal lottery in which money is wagered on a certain combination of digits appearing at the beginning of a series of numbers published in a newspaper, as in share prices or sports results Often shortened tonumbers

Example Sentences

Perhaps the most poignant example I have heard lately about why the numbers game is still important came from MC Spano, a US tech firm boss who now mentors other women in the sector.

From BBC

Consider that there are roughly 256 draftees every year — give or take a few — and 1,696 players on initial 53-man rosters every year, and simple math shows there’s always a numbers game at hand.

From Seattle Times

In the end, like cricket itself, it’s a numbers game and America has always been keen on very big numbers.

From BBC

Despite Kyiv lowering the conscription age to find replacements, it's not just a numbers game.

From BBC

Hibernian now say they'll reduce the number of away tickets issued for certain fixtures - they, like others in recent years are playing the numbers game.

From BBC

Related Words

• betting
• game of chance
• sweepstake