The psychology of the lottery


SALISBURY, Md. -

The poweball jackpot is over $500 Million.  The chances to win it? 1 in 292 million.  You have a better chance of being crushed by a meteorite.  So why do so many people play?

Some say just for the chance - the $2 it costs for a ticket just a small price for the chance at a better life.  But with the odds forever against the players, it is a business after all, there is obviously more to it.  Dr. Leslie Donnelly says part of playing is fantasizing about what you would do if you win.  It's about buying hopes and dreams - not a 1 in 292 million chance.  She argues it's also about a sense of community.  People have office pools and play with family for a greater sense of connection.

Dr. Donnelly explains that the lottery uses a type of behavioral model called intermittent reinforcement.  When you don't know when you'll get rewarded, it generally pulls the biggest response.  The lottery, as mentioned, is a business.  And it attacks our hopes by reminding us the chance and what we could do with the money if we won, and that image often trumps logic.

You have a better chance of being attacked by a shark or being struck by lightning than winning the lottery.  However it turns out you have a better chance of winning the lottery - than being attacked by a shark while simultaneously being struck by lightning.  So you're saying there's a chance....

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