the odds are stacked in favor of (someone or something)

Someone or something is very likely to be successful due to some existing circumstances, conditions, or obstacles that will aid or benefit someone or something. The odds were stacked in favor of the film—an all-star cast, a huge budget, and a great marketing campaign—but it turned out to be one of the biggest flops in the history of the industry. Everyone knows the odds are stacked in favor of those who already have business connections through their friends or family.