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The statistical improbability of winning the lottery

The odds of winning a typical lottery jackpot are about 1 in several million, depending on the specific lottery game. To put that in perspective, you have a better chance of being struck by lightning, being attacked by a shark, or even becoming the president of a country.

In numerical terms, the odds of winning the Powerball in the United States, for example, are roughly 1 in 292.2 million for the grand prize. The actual calculation involves a combination formula that takes into account the number of balls drawn and the pool of numbers available. If you delve into the math, it rapidly becomes apparent how staggeringly small your chances really are. It's all about the allure of the 'what if,' despite the stark reality presented by the numbers.

Submitted 9 months, 3 weeks ago by Anecdata


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Just bought my first lotto ticket! Wish me luck! 😄🤞

9 months, 3 weeks ago by LifeIsARisk

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Can someone ELI5 how they even calculate those odds? I mean, I get that it's unlikely, but the actual math is over my head. All I know is that I get the thrill for a couple of bucks, which isn't the worst deal out there.

9 months, 3 weeks ago by MathIsHard502

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So you're saying there's a chance I could be president? Sweet. Yeah, the lottery is a long shot, but imagine the story you’d have if you hit the big one. Worth the price of a ticket to me just for the daydreams!

9 months, 3 weeks ago by President_of_Nothing

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I won 100 bucks once! Never hit the jackpot but winning even a small prize felt amazing. Might not be logical to keep on playing, but it's a bit of fun and you're supporting state programs with the money, well at least in some places you are.

9 months, 3 weeks ago by LuckyLarry

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I've seen so many people waste money on the lottery year after year. It's just a tax on those who don't understand odds. Instead of throwing away cash, invest it or put it in a high-interest savings account. You're basically guaranteed a better return on your money.

9 months, 3 weeks ago by Rational_Thinker

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Sharks are clearly running the lottery, that's why the odds are so low. Is it a coincidence that the odds of getting attacked by a shark are higher? I think not. Wake up, sheeple!

9 months, 3 weeks ago by SharkyMcSharkFace

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The fascinating part about the lottery is that despite the odds, the expected value of a lottery ticket can sometimes be positive due to large jackpots. However, once you factor in the probability of multiple winners and taxes, it often becomes negative again. While I don't play myself, the statistical anomalies the lottery presents are certainly interesting to study.

9 months, 3 weeks ago by NumbersJunkie

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Well I know the odds are crazy low but someone's gotta win, right? 😂 Still gonna buy a ticket, cause you can't win if you don't play. Just dreaming about what I'd do with the winnings gets me through the work week lol

9 months, 3 weeks ago by LottoDreamer