For all @math , we show that the set of Poisson Binomial distributions on @math variables admits a proper @math -cover in total variation distance of size @math , which can also be computed in polynomial time. We discuss the implications of our construction for approximation algorithms and the computation of approximate Nash equilibria in anonymous games.
The Poisson binomial distribution is approximated by a binomial distribution and also by finite signed measures resulting from the corresponding Krawtchouk expansion. Bounds and asymptotic relations for the total variation distance and the point metric are given.