Are Lotteries a tax for stupid people?

Question

@ Amanda - the question was based on a politician's statement over the moral issue of lotteries.

@ thylawyer - I have yet to see a lottery player say "gee I hope they build a sewer with my money." They are in it for the 1 in 14 million chance they will hit the numbers. You know it and I know it.

@ Yoda: I find that hard to believe

Answer 1

nope

Just a voluntary game. Don't play if you don't want to.

What a stupid question!

***my apologies R035*** you should have mentioned it was not your personal question, but from another source :)

Answer 2

In a way - yes.

However, it gives them hope for anything better in their future so I see no reason to take that away from them. The really stupid ones are the ones who buy too many tickets when their kid needs food.

In my state, the lottery proceeds are (supposedly) used for education. Many of us were sold out by the politicians on this. When the lottery was originally voted in the monies were to "supplement" educational funds. However, they now seem to be the only state monies going to education.

Were we stupid, or did we just not pay attention?

Answer 3

Yes, but what other chance do you have to become a multi-millionair for the investment of a buck. Really the truth is the poor has very little chance to be equal to the rich anyway so why not play the lottery.

Answer 4

It's a voluntary contribution to the entity holding the lottery. Since the proceeds of many state lotteries go to existing state expenses paid out of taxes, it is a voluntary extra tax payment. If you think it is stupid to have public roads, schools, sidewalks, police, fire departments, zoning boards, housing inspectors, city/town clerks, election commissions, etc., etc., then voluntarily paying more for those services is stupid.

Very few lottery winners are rich people, which should tell you something.

Answer 5

A lottery is a voluntary tax. No one is forced to buy a ticket. To quote the legendary GM of the Dallas Cowboys, Tex Schramm, "You cannot protect a person from his own stupidity."

Answer 6

Everyone waste some money. Lotteries, for 99.9996% of the players is money waste, but there is still that .0004%. Lotteries are fun, although, usually a waste of money. How do you waste your money? drugs, stockmarket, going out to party? I don't drink or smoke. If you do and call me stupid for playing, isn't this a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

Answer 7

First of all: OH GOD, THANK YOU FOR HAVING SOMEONE ASK THIS QUESTION SO DIRECTLY AND ELOQUENTLY!

Secondly: Yes, it is a regressive tax on those who can least afford it. Poor people have an idea that you get ahead by blind luck, not by planning and education. The lottery cruelly cashes in on this misconception. They should take the money they put on pull tabs, scrath offs and pick sixes and save for a return to college.

I have no idea how the US government got into the gambling business, but it does not serve it's citizens well when it makes it possible for them to go broke on false dreams that can never come true.

Answer 8

In Florida a lot of the money is earmarked for education. My daughter was able to get a large part of her tuition paid thru the Florida "Brite Star" program. Funds generated by the Florida lottery. Its not perfect but hey it helps. Of course you have to keep your GPA up in order to continue getting it. (undergrads only)

Answer 9

I do it sometimes, and have not won yet, so am I stupid? Well what to I get even if I dont win, entertainment, suspense, hope, dreams. Is that worth a dollar or two? Sort of depends on the individual I guess.

Answer 10

Maybe... but only for people who play habitually. I'll grab a ticket for the powerball once or twice a year when it hits some crazy amount. All in all I spend maybe 20 bucks a year on they lottery, but I guess that's better than crack and hookers.

Answer 11

I dont' like lotteries. I personally feel they are like stealing from the poor. The majority of people who play the lotteries are poor and are hoping to be rich. Lotteries don't create new wealth for the majority of people, they take it from the poor and give it to one person. Even donating a portion to charities doesn't help. It's people's way of putting their faith in something secular instead of having the faith they claim to have in God.