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We apply the theory of linear recurrence sequences to find an expression for the ultimate ruin probability in a discrete-time risk process. We assume the claims follow an arbitrary distribution with support $\{0,1,\ldots,m\}$, for some integer $m\ge2$. The method requires to find the zeroes of an $m$ degree polynomial and to solve a system of $m$ linear equations. An approximation is derived from the exact ruin formula and several numerical results and plots are provided as examples.

Based on a discrete version of the Pollaczeck-Khinchine formula, a general method to calculate the ultimate ruin probability in the Gerber-Dickson risk model is provided when claims follow a negative binomial mixture distribution. The result is then extended for claims with a mixed Poisson distribution. The formula obtained allows for some approximation procedures. Several examples are provided along with the numerical evidence of the accuracy of the approximations., Comment: 24 pages, 4 figures