Definition of State LotteryPrev TopicNext Topic

• bambini

  

  United States
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  Oct 11, 2006, 12:33 pm

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  state lottery : n. A regressive tax imposed by the state on those of its citizens it has failed to provide a basic education on the laws of probability. Usage: "You don't see many Harvard graduates waiting in line to buy lottery tickets." Related quotation: "I never play the lottery because I figure I have about the same chance of winning whether I play or not." - Fran Liebowitz
  
  
• weshar75

  

  Mcminnville, Oregon
  United States
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  December 13, 2003
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  Oct 11, 2006, 1:47 pm

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  I play the lottery because I think it is something fun to do with the money that I have.  I am not concerned with what someone from Harvard does with his or her money.  You do have to purchase a lottery ticket to have a chance at winning Mr. Liebowitz.-weshar75
• RJOh

  

  100

  mid-Ohio
  United States
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  March 24, 2001
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  Oct 11, 2006, 1:52 pm

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  Playing lotteries is gambling, the fact that these games are run by the states don't make them taxes.  People who don't want to spend money gambling can chose not to play, they can't do the same with taxes.

   * you don't need to buy every combination, just the winning ones * 

         
  
• four4me

  

  MD
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  Oct 11, 2006, 2:09 pm

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  Quote  "I never play the lottery because I figure I have about the same chance of winning whether I play or not."

  This make about as much sence as "a cow jumping over the moon"

  how can you win if  you don't play.
• lotterybraker

  

  mississippi
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  Oct 11, 2006, 2:28 pm

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  Another fine example of a  "First Class Idiot" walking around in Public..

  "Attention all Mathematicians: Check your degree at the door because when it comes to whole numbers you are the Amateur"
• lotterybraker

  

  mississippi
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  Oct 11, 2006, 2:33 pm

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  oh yeah forgot to mention I voted that I will beat the odds..dont know who Fran is..dont really care..

  "Attention all Mathematicians: Check your degree at the door because when it comes to whole numbers you are the Amateur"
• justxploring

  

  Wandering Aimlessly
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  Oct 11, 2006, 2:37 pm

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  I didn't graduate Harvard, but I did attend a seminar there.  I just heard the same thing from a neighbor. He's very rich and gambles on cruises every week but won't spend a dime on the lottery. I think he mainly goes for all that free food!
• justxploring

  

  Wandering Aimlessly
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  Oct 11, 2006, 2:44 pm

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  In response to lotterybraker

  Quote: Originally posted by lotterybraker on Oct 11, 2006

  oh yeah forgot to mention I voted that I will beat the odds..dont know who Fran is..dont really care..

  To add a comment:

  Just FYI, she's actually a very intelligent journalist.  I don't agree with her views all the time, but she's no idiot.
• lotterybraker

  

  mississippi
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  Oct 11, 2006, 2:47 pm

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  well that explains it..I never believe anything they write anyway..lol

  "Attention all Mathematicians: Check your degree at the door because when it comes to whole numbers you are the Amateur"
• Coin Toss

  

  Zeta Reticuli Star System
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  January 17, 2006
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  Oct 11, 2006, 6:39 pm

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  The poll needs another choice, "Regardless, someone will beat the odds." 

   "You don't see many Harvard graduates waiting in line to buy lottery tickets."

   I don't entirely agree with that. I had many years of casino work and saw pit bosses with very little formal education watch very educated people get financially torn to shreds by the games.

  I remember one old timer saying he'd rather see some "Einstein with a degree in probablilites from an Ivy League school" come up to a game than anybody else. (They think they can beat the game).

  Regardless of any form of gambling, when people get hooked on it education means absolutely nothing.

  PS

  When those bosses themselves got off work, what did they play? They bet sports and played KENO. That's right, the game with absolutely the worst odds in the house, KENO.

   Here's anothe definition for lottery:

  An voluntary tax on people who are exceptionally bad at math.
• Todd

  

  50

  Chief Bottle Washer

  New Jersey
  United States
  Member #1
  May 31, 2000
  27,928 Posts
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  Oct 11, 2006, 6:41 pm

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  I would have chosen "That statement is stupid" if it was an available choice.

   

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