2017-06-03

Gambling is a Superstitious Thing

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Today I went to my local convenience store and plopped down a 20 dollar bill for 10 powerball plays. Most of them were quick picks ... but a few I have been playing (more or less) since 2002. I was struck with my degree of underlying ritualism associated with the act. For example, I "had" to have the 5 quick picks first so they wouldn't be "influenced" by my set of regularly played 3 numbers and 2 more quickpicks.

Having brought this irrational subconscious belief up with the owner we both had a brief banter about that superstitious nature of lottery picks and she related another customer's even worse predilection for such superstition
Powerball Estimated Jackpot for 06-03-2017    
similar to that which I imparted to the transaction today. We both had a good laugh about it and I went on my way, ten numbers in hand ... three of which I've been playing a long time now (to no avail).

So it would seem that my behavior would indicate an ignorance of the laws of probability (though I'm quite well versed on the odds) and today's rite was a trivial pursuit of some faith in magic or chance — which though underlying is really not a contender in the reality of playing the game.

So much for my abject state of mind as it continues to immerse itself in my snowball's chance in hell of winning the powerball jackpot this evening !