The Mathematics of Lottery: Odds, Combinations, Systems [Paperback]

Catalin Barboianu (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 9731991115 | ISBN-13: 978-9731991115 | Publication Date: March 9, 2009

This work is a complete mathematical guide to lottery games, covering all of the problems related to probability, combinatorics, and all parameters describing the lottery matrices, as well as the various playing systems. The mathematics sections describe the mathematical model of the lottery, which is in fact the essence of the lotto game. The applications of this model provide players with all the mathematical data regarding the parameters attached to the gaming events and personal playing systems. By applying these data, one can find all the winning probabilities for the play with one line (for each category in part or cumulatively), and how these probabilities change with playing the various types of systems containing several lines, depending on their structure. Also, each playing system has a formula attached that provides the number of possible multiple prizes in various circumstances. Other mathematical parameters of the playing systems and the correlations between them are also presented. The generality of the mathematical model and of the obtained formulas allows their application for any existent lottery (including variations like Keno) and any playing system. Each formula is followed by numerical results covering the most frequent lottery matrices worldwide and by multiple examples predominantly belonging to the 6/49 lottery. The listing of the numerical results in dozens of well-organized tables, along with instructions and examples of using them, makes possible the direct usage of this guide by players without a mathematical background. The author also discusses from a mathematical point of view the strategies of choosing involved in the lotto game. The book does not offer so-called winning strategies (proving that the only strategy is that of choosing), but helps players to better organize their own playing systems and to confront their own convictions (so many times based on false perceptions) with the incontestable reality offered by the direct applications of the mathematical model of the lotto game. As a must-have handbook for any lottery player, this book offers essential information about the game itself and can provide the basis for gaming decisions of any kind.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Catalin Barboianu (born in 1968) is a Romanian mathematician and author , whose fields of expertise and publication are topology, probability theory, mathematical modeling, and philosophy of mathematics. From 2003, his main work was focused on applied mathematics, especially on applications of probability theory in daily life, including in gaming, the outcome being six books on mathematics of gambling, published in several languages. His books have a guide style and are primarily addressed to non-mathematicians, being listed in the official bibliographies of the students of several gaming institutes and organizations around the globe. He also published several articles in leading academic and gaming periodicals,and became a recognized authority on mathematics of games and gambling. He is an active member of MAA (Mathematical Association of America), SIAM (Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics), and BSPS (British Society for the Philosophy of Science).

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: INFAROM (March 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9731991115
• ISBN-13: 978-9731991115
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #894,747 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Catalin Barboianu (born in 1968) is a Romanian mathematician and author, whose fields of expertise and publication are topology, probability theory, mathematical modeling, and philosophy of mathematics. From 2003, his main work was focused on applied mathematics, especially on applications of probability theory in daily life, including in gaming, the outcome being six books on mathematics of gambling, published in several languages. His books have a guide style and are primarily addressed to non-mathematicians, being listed in the official bibliographies of the students of several gaming institutes and organizations around the globe. He also published several articles in leading academic and gaming periodicals,and became a recognized authority on mathematics of games and gambling. He is an active member of MAA (Mathematical Association of America), SIAM (Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics), and BSPS (British Society for the Philosophy of Science).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A solid grounding in lotto theory, November 2, 2009

By 

Wombat whiskers (Melbourne Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mathematics of Lottery: Odds, Combinations, Systems (Paperback)

This is an excellent book. It presents the basics of working out combinations and probabilities using standard mathematical formulas. You will probably need some understanding of probability and combinatorics to tackle the book. The math is equivalent to about the 2nd last year of high school (Year 11) in Australia. The author has included an array of tables for those who are less confident mathematically. The main strategy types are covered in a factual manner and without drawing conclusions.
The author is not pushing anything in the way of software and wheeling systems, so it is refeshing to read something based on fact. I've read 3 other books on this topic and they all were slanted towards selling something and had no math at all in them. I resent having to pay for hot air! Also many of them claim to have "invented" various ideas that seem to have been around for some time.
After reading this book I feel that I have a solid grounding that will enable me to assess potential strategies. There are so many people selling "winning" stategies I think this is a must-read.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Information, information, information, March 26, 2009

By 

DB - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mathematics of Lottery: Odds, Combinations, Systems (Paperback)

The book preserves the same approach and style of the author used in his other books on mathematics of games of chance. In addition, this lottery book has a little bit more strategy and money management than the books devoted to the other games. Although it may look paradoxal, the lotto game has its own strategy! The book holds primary information that everyone should know before playing an expensive system (for example, all kind of probabilities). You will find here information that lottery companies will never reveal to you. Knowing the mathematics of lottery (or at least its results) can optimize the play, at least in saving money. Reading any lottery book with the word "win" in its title is a waste. For realizing this, you must first get in touch with the essence of lottery.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars FAIR, November 8, 2010

By 

Victor Rendon Valdes (Mexico City) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Mathematics of Lottery: Odds, Combinations, Systems (Paperback)

The book is complete, the author knows what she is writing. however you must be a skilled mathematician to understand it. That is you need to know very well, algebra, calculus and all that stuff.