Every time you're close to winning, your brain convinces you that you're almost there. This "near-miss" keeps you hooked, thinking the next one is the one. 

Picking numbers, using strategies, or relying on "lucky" rituals may make you feel in control, but the outcome is purely random. This belief can fuel addiction.

"It hasn't happened yet, so it's bound to happen soon." This trap makes people think the odds change over time, which isn't true in a random game like Powerball.

After spending money on tickets, many feel compelled to keep going, believing stopping now would waste their prior investments. This keeps you playing when you shouldn't. 

When you hear about a big win, it sticks in your memory, making you think it's more common than it is. This bias over-inflates your perception of the likelihood of winning. 

The brain tends to ignore or downplay the losses and focus on the few wins, reinforcing the desire to keep playing despite the negative financial consequences. 

You rationalize buying Powerball tickets by telling yourself it's a small price for a big dream. But over time, these "small" purchases can add up to serious financial strain.