Why do we flock to buy Powerball tickets when the chances of winning are infinitesimal?

A CSU Channel Islands psychology professor said it's because it makes us feel happier as we live in a fantasy of what life could be like if we win.

Saturday's nearly $950 million Powerball jackpot — the largest prize in U.S. lottery history — drew people to stores in droves to buy a chance at the prize. Case in point: A few hours before Saturday's Powerball drawing, people lined up to buy tickets at a gas station in Camarillo where a $750,000-winning scratcher ticket had been sold in November.

CSUCI psychology professor Christy Teranishi Martinez gave insight on why so many of us were motivated to make the $2 investment for a shot at Saturday's historic prize. Martinez, who has been researching positive psychology at the Camarillo campus for about seven years, said the phenomenon can be attributed to "optimism bias."

In her work in adolescent development, the negative side of "optimism bias" is when young drivers think they won't get into a crash or be arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. They have this mentality because they know someone who has driven after drinking but faced no consequences, Martinez said.

There's another side of "optimism bias" when looked at in a positive light, she said.

"Somebody has to win it, and why can't that person be me?" Martinez said of ticket buyers' thought process.

As ticket holders wait for the winning numbers to be announced, they are envisioning "life enhancement," which in turn enhances their mood and outlook on life, she said.

"They take the risk to enhance their lives, and it makes them feel good," Martinez said.

Although the professor has bought a lottery ticket before with friends, she said she hadn't bought a Powerball ticket for a shot at the big prize. But her husband put money into the lottery pool at his work.

"I'm hoping he'll share with me if we do win," Martinez said before the drawing Saturday night revealed that no one had won the jackpot.