Statistics 101

As a compulsive gambler, you would think that I was clueless about statistics. I was, but only because I believed in divine intervention on behalf of my statistics. I figured that even if the odds were a million to one, I would be favored somehow and some way.Pathological gambling is a brain disease that seems to be similar to disorders such as alcoholism and drug addiction. These disorders likely involve problems with the part of the brain associated with behaviors such as eating and sex. This part of the brain is sometimes called the "pleasure center" or dopamine reward pathway.Treatment for people with pathological gambling begins with the recognition of the problem. Since pathological gambling is often associated with denial, people with the illness often refuse to accept that they are ill or need treatment. Most people with pathological gambling enter treatment under pressure from others, rather than voluntarily accepting the need for treatment.I am also aware of the gamblers fallacy and can logically understand it. Gambling is not done because one does not comprehend statistics. To cure a compulsive gambler, you don't teach them statistics.

It is overly simplistic to say that the devil makes me do it. (even if I may harbor such a belief)There are scientific reasons for addictive behavior. There are also Spiritual reasons.The 12 Step Christian based Celebrate Recovery program goes by the 8 principles. Critics could say that this is merely substituting an addiction to religion for an addiction to anything else...but I prefer such an addiction over a bland addiction to knowledge and statistical analysis. Its too non-personal and boring for me.

Assuming that each combination is the same as a "number", you will have the same statistics each and every time you play. If you don't win, your pick is one of the 146 million. If you do win, your pick becomes the one out of 146 million.I suppose that we could say that there are 146 million and one chances to win!