Gambling: The Lottery

Lotteries have been part of American civilization since 1612, when the English initiated a lottery?in the form of an authorized drawing?to help fund the Jamestown settlement in Virginia. The term ?lottery? is defined as a drawing of lots in which prizes are distributed to the winners among persons buying a chance. Assuming various forms, today lotteries have been legalized across the nation in 40 states (plus the District of Columbia) and net about $42.4 billion in lottery ticket sales annually. Of the 10 remaining states that have rejected lottery proposals thus far, many are pressured to include lottery initiatives on ballots.

States have effectively sold the lottery to America, and citizens have swallowed it hook, line and sinker. But scratch beneath the surface of the help-your-state veneer of the lottery and you?ll find that neither you nor your state is a winner. There are a number of legitimate questions you need to ask before you buy another lottery ticket or vote to allow lottery legalization and/or expansion in your community. Where does the money really go? Who buys the most tickets? Is the lottery harmless? Who really benefits from lottery revenues? The lottery helps fund education and benefits our kids, right?

Knowledge and understanding precede wisdom. Invest in your family's future by learning more about the troubling impact of lotteries. Serve your state and community well by learning the truth. Below are some helpful resources that will increase your odds of making a winning choice.