"The odds against winning the big prize are 45,379,619:1"
I have a hard time imagining how low these odds are but once my math professor gave us an interesting analogy.
One person drives from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and throws a quarter out of the window at any point in time.
You then follow this person along the same route. You win the grand price if you manage to stop your car such that your front wheel stops at the exact same position as the quarter (10cm tolerance).
The imagery of this explanation adds to the lottery-aversion on a subconscious level, as well: it reverses how a lottery is usually portrayed. Instead of 'only a dollar' entry cost and 'millions' if you win, this analogy associates entry with a long and costly task (some or most of a cross-country drive) and winning with a single quarter. Clever!
This analogy reinforces why people should and do (incl author) play the lottery. A nice roadtrip through the country, entertainment. If you happen to stop and find a quarter, bonus!
I have a hard time imagining how low these odds are but once my math professor gave us an interesting analogy.
One person drives from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and throws a quarter out of the window at any point in time.
You then follow this person along the same route. You win the grand price if you manage to stop your car such that your front wheel stops at the exact same position as the quarter (10cm tolerance).
This image made me never play the lottery.