The Lottery - Does it play a helpful, harmful, or neutral role in society?

Question

The Lottery (or chance based gambling) has a long running history both in legal formats as well as illegal operations. I have heard people have a point of view that the Lottery takes advantage of people and also heard that the Lottery acts as a beacon of hope to others. 
Researching it, I probably am personally in the neutral category myself as I see situations where it has been a method of community support but also can be exploitive in other ways. I thought it was an interesting topic that may have diverse viewpoints so I am posting it here. 
Bonus: Does anyone here play the lottery regularly or have someone close in your life that does, and how do you feel about it? Any big winners in the room 😂🙃?

Answer

Well it was helpful historically. Before the states took over the mob ran numbers games all over. Institutionalizing it took away a funding stream, and redistributed it to the government. 
It could also be very helpful if we used that money generated more wisely. There have been scandals in some states where it was promised to schools, but never actually wound up there. 
On an individual level, not really. It encourages gambling addiction, particularly among the poor, and very large winners usually end up worse off. 
Personally, I’ve only ever bought the occasional scratcher. Once every few years I’ll get the urge just for fun. I’ve won a $5 or $10 here and there on a dollar ticket. I’m not sure if I’ve actually made anything if you balance it all out.

Answer

My fiancé literally just bought a lottery ticket today for the first time in our relationship lol we were talking about it a couple nights ago. I said I want to win the lottery but I don’t want to play 😂 so I guess we’re giving it a shot lol 
As far as your post, I could see arguments for each one but I haven’t given it enough thought (until right now) to form my own opinion. I’d say I’m pretty neutral on it at the moment

Answer

I'm neutral. I dont play it. I think most people are capable of buying a ticket here and there without it being an issue. Some people go overboard with it but there are far more dangerous and addictive gambles than the lotto. 
Lottery funds in my state go towards education which I'm happy about.  I was eligible for scholarships in college that were funded by the lottery because I went to an in state school, which helped keep the amount I took out for student loans down a bit.

Answer

Waste of money. But a stock instead

Answer

I couldn’t care less. I only buy when it gets up into the billions.

Answer

It would be a lot more helpful if I could win one of those jackpots!
But really, I think they are helpful for the most part. They raise money for the community and it's kind if fun to play and imagine winning. It can be a problem for people with gambling addictions. It can be hard for them to know when to stop. 
I almost never play. I buy a few fun looking scratch tickets on occasion or my husband will bring home a Powerball ticket if the jackpot is big. 
I do have a friend that won $250k on a scratch ticket. That was pretty cool for him, and his family. I asked him if they did anything fun with it. He said his wife and daughters had fun spending it all. Lol

Answer

Funny this was posted as I just bought a ticket 10 minutes ago 😂
I am fairly neutral on them, it's rare I gamble but I don't have anything against the lottery, its not the worst thing to spend a few quid on, especially if portions are going to a good cause.

Answer

I see both sides. I play, but not with any regularity. If the numbers look good and I happen to have cash, I’ll buy a few tickets 🤷🏼‍♀️
I love scratch tickets though, and I love penny slots! Also not played with any regularity.
At the end of the day, I think you need to be responsible for your own decisions. Some people can drink and be fine, others can’t. Same for gambling in any form. I’m pretty neutral on it.

Answer

Florida funds scholarships through the lottery system, so I personally feel like it has a positive impact there.

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I think I can really see both sides to it. I worked graveyard shifts at a gas station and I’ve seen regulars who would spend hours at it because they were so addicted to it. On the other hand people who played for the the first time ever in their lives would come in and tell me about the extreme good luck they had

The Lottery - Does it play a helpful, harmful, or neutral role in society?

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