Recently I heard a local talk-show host interview Richard Lustig, author of Learn How to Increase Your Chances of Winning the Lottery.*  His first suggestion was to never pick a number that won a prior lottery drawing.  That led to lots of discussion by callers – mostly skeptical.  Evidently this belief that previously non-winning numbers become “due” is widespread, so much so that it’s become known as the gamblers fallacy.

“Lottery: A tax on people who are bad at math.”

–          Ambrose Bierce

PS. Did you hear about the wannabe-winner of the lottery who prayed and prayed and prayed to hit the jackpot.  Finally an exasperated God responded with this request: “Could you at least just buy one ticket?”

*This paperback book lists for $40 on Amazon, but I will not provide the link because I do not recommend it.  However, you may find it amusing to read the customer reviews.