The Lottery Is A Tax On The Poor.

Reply #66

THRIFTY — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 15:31:24 GMT

A lottery is a Zero-sum game . What one group of participants gains in cash, the other group of participants must lose. If we made a list of all the participants in a lottery, it might include:

1) Federal Government (Lottery winnings are taxable)

2) State Governments (Again lottery winnings are taxable)

3) State Governments (Direct share of lottery ticket sales)

4) Merchants that sell tickets (Paid by the lottery organizers)

5) Lottery companies (Hint: They are not doing all this

Reply #65

helpmewin — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 22:21:58 GMT

Ohio Pick 5 Midday Thu, Aug 14, 2014 1-5-2-3-4

Reply #64

ThaJackpotkid — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 12:26:58 GMT

Lol, not neccesarily.

Playing the lottery may not make you win the life changing big sum you desire, but there is no happiness without at least trying. -Gambit

Yeah remember that name, 'Gambit!'

Regards

Gambit

Reply #63

helpmewin — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 16:03:45 GMT

Reply #62

lynki516 — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 12:07:34 GMT

I don't play all the time- just every once in a while. I do enjoy Maddogs PB MM challenges, they're fun. And, I enjoy figuring out what numbers to play on the predictions...

Reply #61

MrLeRoy — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 04:30:04 GMT

Lucky Loser knows what he's talking about

Reply #60

onlymoney — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 02:39:41 GMT

I believe you're missing the OP's point. The rich don't care about the voluntary tax, they have expendable money. It's the poor and middle class who are getting Shanghaied by false dreams set forth by the witty and creative advertising campaigns.

Think tanks are hard at work in suckering more victims into the virtually unreachable goal of winning a major JP in their lifetime.

Reply #59

pepper1 — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 21:25:51 GMT

A lot of poor people have won the lottery. I myself have won when I need the money. Rich people play to.

It not about rich are poor it about what you want to do why can't people understand that. I play and my husband doesn't.

He loves to help send the money when there is a hit are pay a bill.

Reply #58

rcbbuckeye — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:49:45 GMT

I'm not too happy with $2 a tic. But I understand completely why they do it. They know they might sell fewer tics at $2, but still make more money in the end because it's.......$2 a tic. They simply need to increase revenue.

I think about the new prices, and the fact that TLC is trying to roll out new games every 6 months and wonder if they're biting off more than they can chew. They're flying right in the center of the radar and the Tx legislature is taking notice.

Reply #57

Stack47 — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 16:06:02 GMT

If you fill it up before the you're almost out of gas light goes on, it will much less.

Reply #56

Lucky Loser — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 15:08:05 GMT

He he, I like your persistence with the control deal. Truth be told, Thrift, everyone needs that hope of maybe...just maybe hitting it pretty good one day and there's nothing wrong with it. Problem is, the states need to do more to show their appreciation than just creating new games with the same old odds and percentages of players winning. They can allow more people to win which, in turn, would cause so many more people to take notice and 'chances' on becoming winners, too. It all balances out... [ More ]

Reply #55

THRIFTY — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 20:11:43 GMT

I DO NOT PLAY THE LOTTERY.

I DID NOT PLAY THE LOTTERY TODAY.

HOW TO WIN THE LOTTERY BY NOT PLAYING=SAVE YOUR MONEY TO PLAY THE LOTTERY SOMEDAY.

OUR REGULAR LOTTERY PROGRAMMING.

1) Playing the lottery more often for less tickets= Buying 1 lottery ticket.

2) Playing the lottery less often for more tickets= Buying multiple lottery tickets.

3) Playing the lottery less often for less tickets= Buying 1 lottery... [ More ]

Reply #54

Lucky Loser — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 23:02:38 GMT

Ha ha...you caught me there!! But, here's my second chance answer: you can fill a Smart car up anywhere for around $35 I believe. This is tabulated from when gas prices were a lot closer to $4/gal. also. Okay, you win...because the average person doesn't drive a Smart car!! Still, though, most small cars are very fuel efficient and can still be filled for under $50 easily. So, let's just extend those losses to (10) days at $5/day...now that's some gas money.

Becoming better is the name of the... [ More ]

Reply #53

helpmewin — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 19:49:49 GMT

where can you fill your car/truck up for that $35.00

here it's like $115.00

Anyways i think i rather hold a number for more $ than chase 38 numbers

i am getting better at them daily games each day

Reply #52

Lucky Loser — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 18:42:22 GMT

they don't understand how much it could cost to finally win something

My point(s) exactly, Stack, and it's always good to see you chime in on common sense. This sort of reasoning, for me, goes way back and prevails more today than ever it seems. 'Diminishing Returns' applies to both spending too much money and not spending enough money to balance wins, losses, and profits. Lots of combos are very efficient but, too many make it tough when a loss takes place. I refer to this as an 'upside down... [ More ]

Reply #51

amber-r — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 18:20:51 GMT

I agree with Lucky Loser i picked no and not that i couldn't spare the 5 a day, it's more the sustained loss everyday i think in the long run would make one go hmmmmm after a few months

Reply #50

Stack47 — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 17:15:57 GMT

Unless someone has chased a pick-3 or pick-4 number, they don't understand how much it could cost to finally win something. With pick-3 if the $5 players are betting 50 cents straight on ten lines and average a win every 40 drawings, it will take 200 drawings just to win the $250 they started out playing for. Most seasoned players would probably use a progressive betting strategy, but the novice player will spend their winnings chasing a pick-5, lotto, or MM and PB jackpots because winning $250... [ More ]

Reply #49

Lucky Loser — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 01:02:51 GMT

For the most part, anyone with decent job can afford to spend $5/day on a lottery game in my opinion. But, as far as I'm concerned, this isn't the real question to be asked...and this isn't to hi-jack the thread, honestly. The question is: Can a personafford to lose $5/day and not recover at least a portion of it after a full week (7) days without it being a financial burden somehow? Sure, it's a lotta fun to play but, let's also be realistic. If a person is spending the said amount daily and do... [ More ]

Reply #48

mypiemaster — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 22:20:25 GMT

Voluntary taxation.......?. Hmmmm, what an odd concept.

Reply #47

Artist77 — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 21:20:11 GMT

Me too

Reply #46

SergeM — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 20:16:20 GMT

I rather drink a cup of latte than to play Euromillions for 2.00 a combination.

Reply #45

ThatScaryChick — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 20:08:30 GMT

Yep. Playing the lottery is my hobby. I'd rather spend my money on the slim chance of winning something than drink or smoke.

Reply #44

bobby623 — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 20:04:22 GMT

I visit a store with a lottery terminal at least once a day.

Usually, there are several people exchanging cash money, ranging from $1 to $50, for a colorful card with a payback

ranging from zero to a couple of million.

The fact that most of the cards are worthless doesn't seem to deter anyone.

In all the years I've been playing the lottery, I've never witnessed an incident where a tax man, a school official or

a city or state politician was forcing someone to buy a ticket against... [ More ]

Reply #43

KillerDemo — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 19:49:37 GMT

I spend 2 dollars a week on MM, 1 line each tuesday friday drawing. Thats all I need to spend

Reply #42

helpmewin — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 18:23:39 GMT

Reply #41

Skibunnylk — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 20:58:37 GMT

I don't know about you but I certainly pay my fair share of taxes even though I get no satisfaction out of doing so.

Our Government can't even balance a budget but they spend money as fast as they collect it.

Reply #40

Skibunnylk — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 17:50:18 GMT

Taxes are mandatory, lotteries are not so to claim it is a tax on the poor is a bias comment.

I can afford to spend $5 per day on the lottery but choose not to. I am a casual player and will purchase a ticket if it's in my mind and unless the media has mentioned a sizable jackpot it's usually not in my thoughts so I simply don't play.

Reply #39

helpmewin — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 12:04:08 GMT

Reply #38

helpmewin — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 12:03:11 GMT

Very well said

Reply #37

THRIFTY — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 03:28:56 GMT

Paying Taxes.

RENDER UNTO CAESAR THE THINGS THAT ARE CAESAR'S, AND UNTO GOD THE THINGS THAT ARE GOD'S.

Reply #36

RedStang — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 03:03:47 GMT

They should start a game called Taxes First , because you don't find out what you won until you pay the taxes.

Reply #35

THRIFTY — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 01:02:58 GMT

You are a Lottery Whale my friend. I hope you hit a lottery jackpot soon.

Reply #34

THRIFTY — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 00:59:30 GMT

It proves my point. I am not against anybody playing the lottery. I just want lottery games that pay back more than 50% in prizes to lottery players.

Reply #33

THRIFTY — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 00:55:52 GMT

MADDOG10. You and I had a BIG misunderstanding. You need to move on like I have.

Reply #32

weshar75 — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 00:13:42 GMT

I do not want to spend more than $100 a month on lottery between the two checks that mom and I have. So at the beginning of each month I take $100 and set it aside to play the lotto. When mom gets her check she gives me $50 for her half of the lotto spending. We like to play megabucks when it is over $5 million and mega millions right now. But when powerball gets back up their we will also play that game too and since we have not been to the casino in almost six months to a year it is our form o... [ More ]

Reply #31

rcbbuckeye — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 22:23:24 GMT

If you bother to look, my last reply was to helpmewin, to answer THAT person's question. Apparently you didn't read my pm reply to you earlier. I'm not trolling you.

I have not said anything to Todd, and I'm not going to say anything. The land of no avatar comment was wishful thinking on my part.

Now, if you choose not to reply to this, I will not say anything more to you or about you. If you reply to this, well, I suppose I'll state my position again. Ball's in your court.

By the way,... [ More ]

Reply #30

Pita Maha — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 22:20:25 GMT

Yes, despite the astronomical odds, many people do win, which is why the theory that lotteries are a tax on the poor or for people who are bad at math, just doesn't convince many of us to not participate. I think it's a case of some people just taking everything way too seriously - as in the person who came up with that catchphrase in the first place, whenever that was. Yes, I have a better chance of getting hit by lightning (here in SW Florida!), or being bit by a shark (given that I love the o... [ More ]

Reply #29

Artist77 — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 22:19:40 GMT

You deviated from your good money management threads a long time ago. If you think I am telling Todd to close memberships, you are loony. A number of people wonder what is going on with you. Take a break! You are too caught up and frustrated with playing the lottery. And by the way, I participate (in a non-mocking way) in Maddogs MM and PB games all the time. It is called being a TEAM player. When was the last time you thanked anyone on LP for anything? It is a GAME. And yes, some of us play for... [ More ]

Reply #28

THRIFTY — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 21:42:32 GMT

Mandatory break? Are you threatening me? You have to stop bullying lottery post members by telling Todd to close their memberships. How many threads have you started on lottery post that benefit lottery players? None. I have been advocating good money management, since I joined lottery post.

Reply #27

THRIFTY — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 21:37:05 GMT

Why are you trolling my posts and my threads? I never told you not to play the lottery. I am advocating for good money management, so lottery players can win a lottery jackpot SOMEDAY.

Reply #26

maringoman — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 20:45:45 GMT

I've been observing some comments by other posters for awhile, and I am confused to say the least. There are people on the lottery post forum who post about how bad the lottery is, you're wasting your money etc etc et,

I think I can tolerate those more than I can tolerate those who take every topic and throw in their politics and then attack anybody who doesn't agree. This is a lottery website and maybe what admin should have done is created a section for those who oppose the lottery or allow... [ More ]

Reply #25

IPlayWeekly — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 20:36:03 GMT

Funny thread, tell that to the winners

Reply #24

MADDOG10 — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 18:58:36 GMT

Very well said. I'll never understand while some beat this in the ground and for what reason. It's plain as day to anyone, if you don't want to play, you don't. No ONE is twisting anyone's arm to go out and spend. It is a voluntary tax on the individual who proceeds to purchase a lottery ticket and that's all.

Reply #23

Artist77 — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 18:49:54 GMT

I agree RCB. I don't think helpmepostmoreemoticons gets your meaning. Between trashing those of us who play and trashing lotteries in general and throwing a hissy fit over someone who guessed 5 numbers (out of 12),why is he on a lottery website? I think he needs to take a break soon or it may become a mandatory break.

Reply #22

Stack47 — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 18:45:10 GMT

The numbers game was associated with the poor because it was played in poor NY neighborhoods beginning in the 19th century and continued to be called a tax on the poor when state lotteries were formed offering basically the same game. When most pick-3 games started, the only other gambling options were Bingo, horse racing and Nevada was the only state offering legal casino gambling until the early 80s.

There is plenty of hypocrisy with any form of gambling because people try to justify doing... [ More ]

Reply #21

rcbbuckeye — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 18:32:09 GMT

If it was just on one thread no problem. But dang all the time everywhere

Reply #20

HoLeeKau — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 18:01:54 GMT

I consider it a voluntary tax, because the proceeds go to pay for educational items/services the state government provides. If the lottery didn't fund these budget items, then the state would have to get a bond to pay for this stuff which would be paid off through property taxes. So the voluntary tax that I pay by playing lottery saves homeowners from even higher property taxes than they already pay.

Reply #19

helpmewin — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 16:03:15 GMT

If you don't like a persons Topic why do you keep coming to them

Reply #18

Pita Maha — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 15:55:10 GMT

The lottery is a tax on the poor -- It's just a catchphrase dreamt up by some haughty busybody who doesn't like or agree with the lottery so they seek to disparage those that do. Besides, it's not just the poor who play the lottery. Some winners have been professionals in jobs that no doubt pay quite well. I'm not poor either but I happily, and without any financial hardship at all, happily throw a few bucks at a lottery or two every week. It's a form of entertainment, cheaper than a lot of othe... [ More ]

Reply #17

rcbbuckeye — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 15:48:31 GMT

I'm kinda waiting, hoping for them to be sent to the land of no avatar .

They post the same trash everyday, on different threads.

Reply #16

Goteki54 — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 15:44:27 GMT

Beer and Cigarettes though are made by private companies, and the government levies a tax as a separate cost to the purchase of those cigarettes and beer, be it a sales tax or alcohol tax. The only way the lottery could be considered a tax is if a sales tax, wager tax etc was added on to the price of the ticket. The ticket itself is not a tax though. I've been observing some comments by other posters for awhile, and I am confused to say the least. There are people on the lottery post forum who p... [ More ]

Reply #15

helpmewin — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 14:16:12 GMT

DREAM ON

Reply #14

Win$500Quick — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 14:00:06 GMT

I don't smoke or drink. But I do play the lottery and I don't have to worry about health risks.

Reply #13

BobP — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 12:19:55 GMT

I couldn't afford to if I didn't win enough of the time to keep it interesting.

BobP

Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day.

Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

Teach a man to play lotto and he will dream about eating all day.

Reply #12

Saylorgirl — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 12:03:01 GMT

Yes, I agree

Reply #11

onlymoney — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 02:17:26 GMT

Sure is Thrifty. It's a voluntary tax. Hundreds of millions of people voluntarily throw their money away in the hopes of achieving something that's nearly unattainable within their lifetime. So sad.

Reply #10

rcbbuckeye — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 01:59:00 GMT

Wrong again thrifty.

The lottery is not a tax. It is voluntary.

Seriously, if you don't like playing the lottery why don't you join some other forum that makes more sense for you to be on.

Reply #9

travisland — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 01:27:27 GMT

nicely said

Reply #8

Jorli D — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 01:18:39 GMT

Reply #7

Artist77 — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 22:15:48 GMT

Can I afford to spend $5 a day on the lottery? Yes. Do I? No. Just because you can afford something does not mean you should do it.

Reply #6

maringoman — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 22:00:09 GMT

Hypothesis : Do the poor have free will?

Evidence from research and observation: They do.

Conclusion: Lottery is not a tax on the poor.

Reply #5

Litebets27 — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 21:57:13 GMT

Reply #4

RJOh — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 21:52:20 GMT

Spending money on lottery games is no different than choosing to drink beer or smoke cigarettes, you have to pay for your pleasures.

Reply #3

scpick34me — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 20:54:30 GMT

If not for the lottery, us blue collars couldn't sit at work all day and daydream of what we would do with the money. To me , it something to look forward to twice a day. I look forward to checking the numbers and seeing if a child's birthday has hit on the pick3, or an anniversary, or whatever I played. I know if it does , I won't be set for life, but it is a great feeling to see the same numbers you picked on the lottery's website. And I am guessing that for poor or less fortunate people, the... [ More ]

Reply #2

Goteki54 — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 20:15:59 GMT

The definition of the word tax is A compulsory contribution to federal local and state revenue levied by the government on worker's. income and business profits or added to the cost of some goods services and transactions. The definition of compulsory means required by law or a rule, obligatory. By definiton the lottery is NOT a tax. If I started an underground lottery, would it be considered a tax? If the answer is no, then how come it would be called that simply, because the state is running i... [ More ]

Reply #1

mypiemaster — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 20:04:13 GMT

The lottery is a great EQUALIZER.

The Lottery Is A Tax On The Poor.

THRIFTY — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 17:50:56 GMT

PLAY THE LOTTERY SOMEDAY- IT IS OKAY TO DREAM