Recently I heard a local talk-show host interview Richard Lustig, author of Learn How to Increase Your Chances of Winning the Lottery.* His first suggestion was to never pick a number that won a prior lottery drawing. That led to lots of discussion by callers – mostly skeptical. Evidently this belief that previously non-winning numbers become “due” is widespread, so much so that it’s become known as the gamblers fallacy.
“Lottery: A tax on people who are bad at math.”
– Ambrose Bierce
PS. Did you hear about the wannabe-winner of the lottery who prayed and prayed and prayed to hit the jackpot. Finally an exasperated God responded with this request: “Could you at least just buy one ticket?”
*This paperback book lists for $40 on Amazon, but I will not provide the link because I do not recommend it. However, you may find it amusing to read the customer reviews.