Re(1): Question of the Week #206 - Can numbers
become ''due''?
Posted on July 25, 2007 at 06:06:30
PM by Perry
Is a number more likely if it hasn't occurred in a long time?
Yes and no. In any particular game, no, since what happens in
any one game is totally independent of what has happened previously.
However, over a very long period of time, we can reasonably expect
that the actual frequency of occurrence of any number will come
pretty close to its mathematical probability. Therefore, if a
number has occurred less frequently than expected over, say, a
five year period, we can reasonably expect that it will occur
more frequently than expected over an extended period at some
point, so that the total occurrence will approach probability.
There's no way of knowing just when that extended period will
be, though. I suppose it's fair to say that the 631 trifecta is
due if it hasn't hit in the last 1000 games.....but that doesn't
mean it's any more likely to hit tonight than on any other night.
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