Uh-Yeah...

Finite Random Selection and the 'You can't predict' Paradox

All lotteries are Finite Random Selection. This means the possible outcomes are calculable, are able to be generated and are knowable. It's necessary that all lotteries have this quality, because it would be pointless to have a lottery that is a Pick something from 1 to ¥. In that case, it would be a no win situation for anyone playing. Lotteries also rely on this fact about Finite Random Selection to entice people to play. People have to have that level of confidence, even though the odds are very high; they have to believe they have some kind of chance of winning the Big One.

You can't predict, you can't predict, you can't predict....  I've heard and read many people say this. Okay, let's assume this is true. We'll relate this to Finite Random Selection because that's what most are referring to. You can not predict the outcome of a set of numbers drawn in a lottery. Keep that statement in mind as we go along. We are going to lead into a Paradox, but don't worry, there's a way out.

Prediction, I've defined it in an earlier blog. Prediction is any method of selection before and related to the instantaneous moment of random selection. Any method is anything, it's unbounded; has no limits. When you choose to play and pay, you've made a prediction.

Obviously, Jackpots have been won. Those predictions happen to win the Big One. Remember, regardless of how someone selects their numbers, the fact they bought a ticket IS A PREDICTION. But, herein lays the Paradox, if the 'You can't predict' statement is true, those people who won should not have won because they should not have been able to predict the numbers drawn. But, they did win, but they shouldn't have been able to predict, but they won, but their not suppose to be able to predict so they should not have won, but they won.... etc...  Paradox!!!

So, what are we to do. Well, the only way to break the Paradox is to find the one statement that is not True. Since Jackpots have been won, there is only one statement that clearly is false. 'You can't predict' is a false statement. It's self proving, a fact. It has to be false or lotteries are out of business. They count on this to promote their product. If anyone didn't think they had any chance to win, they would not play.