A certain drawing states that the odds of winning are 15:270. What would be the odds against winning?

270-15 = 255

odds of losing = 255:270
NOTE: odds of winning + odds of losing should= 1

270:15

There must be 285 results, 15 that win, and 270 that lose.

As I understand it, the May 1 answer from Anonymous is talking about probability, not odds. The probability of winning is 15/270 which reduces to 1/18. The probability of losing is 255/270 which reduces to 17/18.

Odds are wins to losses, 15:270 or 1 to 18. So the odds of losing are 270:15 or 18 to 1.

To find the odds against winning, you need to subtract the odds of winning from the total odds. In this case, the odds of winning are given as 15:270.

Step 1: Add the two numbers in the odds of winning (15 + 270) to find the total odds.
Total odds = 15 + 270 = 285

Step 2: Subtract the odds of winning from the total odds.
Odds against winning = Total odds - Odds of winning = 285 - 15

Now, let's calculate the odds against winning:
Odds against winning = 270:285 or simplified 2:19.

So, the odds against winning in this drawing are 2:19.