The Lottery and Its Critics
The casting of lots for decisions and fates has a long record in human history, including many instances in the Bible. But the lottery’s use to distribute prizes of money is much more recent: the first public lotteries to award prize funds were held in the Low Countries in the fifteenth century, to finance town fortifications and help the poor.
Today’s lottery is a slick and sophisticated enterprise, operating under the watchful eye of government regulators to ensure that prizes are distributed fairly and to keep players coming back for more. State officials are not above availing themselves of the psychology of addiction, a strategy they share with the marketers of cigarettes and video games.
While states’ coffers swell from ticket sales and winnings, the proceeds are not unlimited. There are organizing and promotional costs, the cost of paying out prizes, and a percentage goes as profits or revenues to the sponsor. The remainder is available to winners and potential winners.
Most people who play the lottery stick to a set of numbers that relate to important events in their lives, such as birthdays or anniversaries. While this won’t increase their chances of winning, it will reduce the odds of splitting a jackpot with other players.
Lottery critics argue that, even when the prizes are small, it’s a dangerous and exploitative practice because it draws people into gambling and encourages addictive behavior. They also argue that it skews toward poorer neighborhoods and disproportionately affects minorities.
