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Derek Smith, professor of mathematics, was quoted in an Oct. 3 U.S. News & World Report article along with faculty experts from across the country about how the lottery works and the odds of winning.
Smith advised that consumers of lottery tickets should take the time to read the odds, which are usually posted on official state lottery websites. But even with the odds in hand, players should understand what they might win. For example, with some scratch-off tickets, the most common “prize” is a free ticket.
“But what does that actually get you? Just a chance to be in the same position you were before you scratched the first ticket,” Smith said.
