Are you confused because my system is called the Silver Lotto system, yet I often talk about winning the lottery? More accurately, should it be named the Silver Lottery System?

Let's find out. What is the real difference between these two words? The Free Dictionary says that lotto is: 2. a lottery, esp. one operated by a state government, in which players choose numbers that are matched against those of the official drawing.

Lotto is a lottery. So really, both words describe exactly the same thing. That's known as a synonym... where different words have exactly the same meaning.

The most common reason for using lotto or lottery is your location - where you live in the world will determine what you call it.

If you live in Canada and the United States, it's more common to call it the lottery. Games like Powerball, Mega Millions and Lottario are often referred to as a lottery.

In Britain, the National Lottery is operated by the Camelot Group, and one of the main games is commonly known as Lotto.

Photo: Independent-ie

If you live in Europe the word lotto is more commonly used. It may also refer to football as well as the lottery.

In Germany for example, Lotto 6aus49 is their biggest national game. Argentina has Loto. Turkey has various games by the National Lottery Administration including Loto 6/49. In Italy, it is the SuperEnalotto.

So the answer is that the two names are completely interchangeable. No more worries!