Futility

Reply #46

Just6ntlc — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 06:33:33 GMT

Yes is my vote. If I win anything, it's just pure luck.

Reply #45

pacattack05 — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 00:55:24 GMT

I think i see what you mean. For such a large JP, there must be more than calculations, and speculations, but rather, a gut feeling, because, only such inner traits can be the answer, on such a large scale event....I see.......lol

Reply #44

RJOh — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 21:32:30 GMT

To participate in a lottery where the odds of winning a jackpot are 1:145M and have a feeling of futility because you don't win the top prize doesn't make sense. Any one who plays in such a lottery can reasonable expect to never win a jackpot even if they play the game their whole life, that's a given with this type of game.

Reply #43

Uncle Jim — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:10:07 GMT

I want to add something to my post...

While I realize that there are litterally millions of people trying to win the Big One...my point is I believe that in an honestly run game like Powerball...I can win. I tell myself over and over again that I will win...but the reality is despite the frustation that leads to the feelings of futility...I do believe that I can win. And that is what keeps me playing.

I don't know if winners are chosen by luck, fate, destiny, karma, number crunching, or... [ More ]

Reply #42

Uncle Jim — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 12:31:51 GMT

For a variety of reasons I had to vote Yes too.

Some of it has to do with my study of odds, winners and their stories. How many tickets sold...how many winners, where they came from...how long they've been playing...how many tickets they bought..quick picks versus own picks and any other info I can glean.

Some of it has to do with my own experience. I haven't missed a Powerball draw in over 2 1/2 years. Regardless of jackpot size I've been in them all. In the 3 1/2 years prior to that... [ More ]

Reply #41

TheGameGrl — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 02:03:12 GMT

Due to the way the question was posed, I chose to vote: Yes.

If a person doesnt go thru those doubting periods and question the validity then they arent playing with desire. Without the desire to win , it would be robotic and boring.

I seriously keep it simple...I either win or I don't. Its not a matter of ratios and overwhleming mathmatical odds. Its either I got the pattern or I don't. I'd like to *beleive* my ticket has some winning combinations. I actually *know* that they probably do... [ More ]

Reply #40

jarasan — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 01:52:04 GMT

From the second link I posted:

You mean better odds of getting struck. Yes if you live in Fla., you are more likely to get struck by lightning than winning Powerball or MegaMillions.

Reply #39

pacattack05 — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 01:19:48 GMT

In Florida, it's higher.

The chart you present focuses on the general population.

Reply #38

jarasan — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 01:19:35 GMT

Imhotep agrees.

Anck-su namen I need you, actually Rachel Weisz will do just fine and dandy.

The Mummy Returns

Reply #37

pacattack05 — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 01:11:20 GMT

Ra, atleast has a good chance.....lol

Reply #36

hypersoniq — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 01:00:41 GMT

to me it's just a hobby... but none of my other hobbys have a chance of making me any $$$.

I track some games I don't even play just because I like fooling around with excel and vb.

the only one I play with any real regularity is the PB, one ticket every draw regardless of JP.

I know with a ticket it's PoSsIbLe to win

I know I PrObAbLy won't win

BUT, I have fun in the process and...

with no ticket I definitely WON'T win!

I have also learned that playing more than one ticket... [ More ]

Reply #35

time*treat — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:54:14 GMT

Playing the lottery: not futile.

Trying to win a race against Ra's sun chariot: futile

Reply #34

RJOh — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:34:33 GMT

If you had 100 years of analysis material which sorted out the winners from the losers, estimating the cost/profit figures, I could make an educated guess that .09 percent actually make money in the long run.

How many players are there? And how many winners are there? Just do the math, don't take my word for it. We all know the answer, and that's what I think I was getting at.

It can't be any other way, the states have lotteries to make money and lotteries have to be self supporting. Whe... [ More ]

Reply #33

jarasan — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:27:56 GMT

This is good:

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2001/ast05dec_1.htm

Not related to this article but there are some scientists studying the theory that what initiates the lightning strike are high energy cosmic particles that make it into the upper atmosphere from space, specifically gamma, cosmic rays. Also it is speculated (but very diffcult to measure) the lightning strike produces X-rays.

This is what Aerosmith thinks about the entire subject:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=OnH7KnOy... [ More ]

Reply #32

jarasan — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 23:46:13 GMT

Actually it's worse,

ODDS OF BECOMING A LIGHTNING VICTIM

U.S. 2000 Census population280,000,000

Odds of being struck by lightning in a given year (reported deaths + injuries)1/700,000

Odds of being struck by lightning in a given year (estimated total deaths + injuries)1/400,000

Odds of being struck in your lifetime (Est. 80 years)1/5000

Odds you will be affected by someone being struck (Ten people affected for every one struck)1/500

http://www.lightningsaf... [ More ]

Reply #31

pacattack05 — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 22:54:53 GMT

Thanx all for responding.

I made this poll to show how high the odds really are without saying it literally. I'm generally a positive person, yet there's always something nagging at me when I even have the slightest possibility of a flaw. I know...I'm thinking too much, but I can't help it, that's the way I am.

Here in Florida, the lightning capital of the world....literally, there is a one in seven million chance of being struck by lightning.

The lotto is about one in 23 million. You... [ More ]

Reply #30

KyMystikal — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:40:39 GMT

I'm reading through posts and replying now. I agree with this post too. I had co-workers the same way then after a couple of wins they started asking me for numbers. I asked them if it was a waste for me to play why do you need my numbers

Reply #29

KyMystikal — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:28:32 GMT

I voted to think this way is negative. I could have chose Maybe - For those who spend way to much money trying to get that Big One , but if you don't play you can't win. I also could have chose, This is my only hope of getting out of the rat race

Reply #28

Super8 — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:25:20 GMT

A correction:

Fortunes are dreamt of... and then lost.

I work with a fellow that has played every Florida State Lotto for $25.00 each drawing. Since it started he has played the same numbers, when it went to two drawing are week he still played the same amount. June 6th this year he hit five of six for the second time.

He doesn't think about slowing down and he couldn't even tell you the odds.

But he still gets excited with each drawing.

I don't really agree with his thinking b... [ More ]

Reply #27

KyMystikal — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:18:31 GMT

When I eat Chinese food I don't have to wait until the next day to find out where the money went, lol.

Reply #26

tnlotto1 — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:15:34 GMT

i am definitely one of those people who has that bright spot before the powerball or megamillion drawing each week but at least i do have that moment before the loss and ill have another one tonight before the powerball and ill keep staying positive about winning

Reply #25

Super8 — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:11:41 GMT

I voted no.

For a lot of people the only bright spot all week or twice a week is just before the drawing and then there is the big let down. But if they didn't buy the ticket they wouldn't have that short little dream.

Look what a bottle of soda costs and it just plays heck with the blood sugar.

I know the odds are ridiculous but then so is life.

One shot is better than none.

Super8

Fortunes of dreamt of ... and then lost.

Reply #24

Guru101 — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:10:10 GMT

I say yes.

Reply #23

Rick G — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:21:53 GMT

Totally agree with your last sentence. It remains fun and a game when you limit your bets to a buck or two. If you're upset at losing a lottery drawing, you are probably spending too much on it.

Reply #22

Coin Toss — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:18:59 GMT

Rick G

Agreed. When people tell me about better chances of being hit by ligtning , etc... I tell them, Well tyour chances are much, much better if you have a ticket than if you don't .

I see no harm in throwing a buck or two at a jackpot drawing. Harm comes in when someone starts playing playing most of their paycheck on it because they know they're going to win it.

Reply #21

DoubleDown — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:12:12 GMT

I agree with Chucky( Rick G )

I'll never stop playing....

Reply #20

Rick G — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 10:53:25 GMT

I agree with the gotta be in it to win it mentality. It only costs a buck for some good daydreams during the day. When I get discouraged I go back to the day when two co-workers told me I was wasting my time and money. I have yet to prove them wrong and that gives me all the more impetus for playing the next drawing.

Reply #19

paurths — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 06:43:05 GMT

You gotta be in it to win it!

I haven't played the 6/42 lottery for over 4 months now, so i don't expect to win the big one lol

On the other hand, people that state i don't play the lottery, i save $12 each week are talking out of their behinds, and is so lame.

The odds of getting struck by lightning are better for one than to win the big one,

yet people get struck by lightning every day.

Just like there are lottery winners every day.

You can't win it if you're not in it... [ More ]

Reply #18

Coin Toss — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 06:20:52 GMT

LckyLary

If we say a few years ago was two years ago and 5 out of 5 was a Pick 5 game played daily, the fact that your program hit 5 for 5 once out of 730 draws (assuming a daily draw) is still luck.

Reply #17

justxploring — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 05:44:48 GMT

Sure, keep rubbing the salt in the wound, Pac.

Reply #16

Luminus — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 04:43:12 GMT

People who say they knew they'd win ALWAYS think they know they are going to win. How many losses did it take for that one win to take place? Think about that one.

And, to answer the question, no. Playing the lottery serves the same purpose as playing any other game fun

Reply #15

csfb — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 03:37:45 GMT

hey pac, what in heavens is that avatar.

Reply #14

csfb — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 03:32:48 GMT

Was gonna vote maybe but didn't want to be negative or doubtful. I expect to win - and that's the bottomline.

Reply #13

RJOh — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:55:36 GMT

Do you think we're all just wasting our time and hard earned money hoping to hit that big Kahuna?

No, never.

We all play lotteries and that's all we as a group have in common. If someone else feels he's wasting his time and money playing it's doesn't concern me because it has no effect on what I do.

If I was a farmer planting a crop and the odds of ever making a profit was 1:3 then I would consider that futile, but when I play to win a PowerBall or MegaMillions jackpot I know th... [ More ]

Reply #12

hearsetrax — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:47:31 GMT

Reply #11

pacattack05 — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:42:23 GMT

I like....I like....keepem' coming...LOL

I've always wondered what everyone else thought.

Reply #10

LckyLary — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:40:04 GMT

I had 5 of 5 a few yrs. ago (but low payout) but I did beat odds at the time of 500,000 to 1 per ticket played (played 2) so I beat odds of 250K to 1. Using a program. It CAN be done and the better your system is the better your chances. Those who say it's luck live in RNG states or they need to write a better program.

Reply #9

hearsetrax — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:39:01 GMT

can't win if ya don't play and some one has got to win why not me

am sick to of buying lozers..... but won't stop me from playing once in a while

Reply #8

tnlotto1 — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:31:53 GMT

id rather spend it on a lottery ticket than cigarettes or something that could affect my body in a negative way. i voted no its not a waste of time because i want to stay positive because the secret or LOA says to believe it will happen and stay positive and most winners say they knew they would win so im staying positive.

Reply #7

pacattack05 — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:09:51 GMT

True, but in a recent blog entry, you stated that you've been playing for 12 years now, and you haven't even hit a 5 of 6 yet.

I know where it ends up.....in the waste basket...lol

Reply #6

psykomo — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:54:39 GMT

SLEEP<<go tu sleep

..............your eyeBALLs are getting HEAVY

HEAVY>>>>>>>>> ..............your beady eyeballs R getting >>HEAVY

LOL

PSYKOMO

Reply #5

MIlottoplayer — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:39:06 GMT

I just look at it this way....all those people who won the big lotteries...they weren't really expecting to win. They were just as surprised as anyone else. So to be honest I'm not really expecting to win, but you know neither are all those people who actually win!!!!!! Someone's gotta win and if I play there's always that chance. I know if I don't play I can't complain.

Reply #4

psykomo — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:33:06 GMT

Coin Toss:

I voted no on this won>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

but, (and) YOU ALL KNOW my CONJUNCTION'ssssssssssssssssss

THERE is alway's ........................................A Butt

out (there) ^^^^^ a RNG!

somewhere Too<

take UR freedom

(AWAY$$$$$$$$$$)

LOL

PSYKOMO

Reply #3

justxploring — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:31:23 GMT

Yes. But I think a lot of things are a waste of money. If you go out to dinner and spend $50 for 2 people, you know where it ends up the next day. At least with a lottery ticket, there's a chance it will last a lifetime.

Reply #2

Coin Toss — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:10:34 GMT

I voted Yes. If there were multiple options it would have been Yes, and It's my only chance to get out of the rat race.

Trying to hit the Big One is like telling a hair-raising story to a bald headed man!

- Coin Toss

Reply #1

pacattack05 — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 22:58:04 GMT

I think the Maybe choice is not suited as an option.

Futility

pacattack05 — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 22:55:33 GMT

Do you think we're all just wasting our time and hard earned money hoping to hit that big Kahuna? (No, not the Hawaiian Lottery).

I don't mean to sound negative, and I know anything is possible, but sometimes reality sets in, and I wonder how great the odds really are.

Like to hear people's thoughts. Thanx.