[patton]

Actually, you can write a PhD thesis in decision analysis, on when bying a lottery ticket constitutes a rational decision.

[TCats]

Really? I've not done any in-depth study of it but, just on a little thought, I think the ‘Odds’ are worse than the worst odds game in Las Vegas.

Not only are the winnings burdened by up front taxes but, if the payout is over time (Which many are - 20 years or so) the time-value adjusted winnings are often less than half what is advertised. To boot, there can be multiple winners, further diluting the expected value of any payout.

[JasonC]

Many worlds quantum physicists buy lottery tickets. At least, the consistent ones do. At least, in some worlds.

(wink)