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Ask HN: How do you choose powerball numbers if you play?

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21–26 of 26 posts

Re: Ask HN: How do you choose powerball numbers if you play?

#21
post #5

The only way to win at powerball is to never play. I'm up whatever the average player is down (100's of dollars? 1000's?).

If you don't play you can't win. $2 can make you rich.

How'd that work out for you.

Re: Ask HN: How do you choose powerball numbers if you play?

#22
post #20

I had trouble finding reliable historical data. I didn't trust anybody that compiled the data, as they all had different results, and the powerball set of number has slowly expanded over the years. I think it's reasonable that some numbers are more likely. Either by their initial placement or by subtle effects of aerodynamics and weight of the painted numbers. That said I think it's a little absurd to choose numbers.…

"I think it's reasonable that some numbers are more likely."

I would think these machines go through very extensive testing both before they are deployed and between draws to prevent that from happening.

A quick google confirms that (http://time.com/4178768/powerball-drawing-security/, http://www.powerball.com/pb_contact.asp)

Re: Ask HN: How do you choose powerball numbers if you play?

#24
post #15
post #5

The only way to win at powerball is to never play. I'm up whatever the average player is down (100's of dollars? 1000's?).

And you miss out on the fun

Also I like the thought my few bucks helps someone have the experience of their life.

Re: Ask HN: How do you choose powerball numbers if you play?

#26
post #5

The only way to win at powerball is to never play. I'm up whatever the average player is down (100's of dollars? 1000's?).

If you don't play you can't win. $2 can make you rich.

"If you play, you can't win" is true 99.9*% of the time, with a lot of nines.

This isn't kind of gamble you use that phrase about. Blackjack or something, maybe. Non-casino gambles, like taking a new job, yeah.

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