zpmorgan

Until recently I worked at a convenience store, where I sold tickets to compulsive gamblers. They seemed to think there was somehow a conspiracy where the winning numbers are fixed in advance. They still played for some reason, and sometimes I argued with them about randomness & statistics.

Here's my question: WTF? This "game" ruins peoples' lives, and many with mental illness seem particularly vulnerable. I don't see how it's even remotely beneficial.

Also, what software platform do you use?

You mentioned that you work as a programmer. I'm curious about what sorts of software & hardware systems the lottery uses.

In my state(NC) every ticket' average value is half what you paid for it. Every time you buy a ticket, you're in a worse position than you were before. You're better off not playing, especially if you're superstitious or you have an addictive personality.

With that said, it can be a little bit enjoyable. There's no skill involved, but it can be sort of fun to carry around a slip of paper that could be worth a bunch of money tomorrow.