To calculate the expected value of profit, we'll use the formula:
Expected Value = Probability of Winning × Profit if Win - Probability of Losing × Loss if Lose
Given:
- Probability of winning = 0.085
- Profit if win = $7
- Probability of losing = 1 - 0.085 = 0.915
- Loss if lose = $3
Now, let's plug these values into the formula:
Expected Value = (0.085 × $7) - (0.915 × $3)
Expected Value = $0.595 - $2.745
Expected Value = -$2.15
So, the expected value of profit is -$2.15. This means that, on average, you can expect to lose $2.15 each time you play the New York State lotto under these conditions.