Dear CDanaT,
I know the USA citizens consider themselves in a free country and cherish this fact beyond anything else. It is true to some degree, you do live in a free country. But contrary to what most of you think and apparently have been told, you're not the only free country in the world, the UK, France, Sweden, and a whole bunch of other countries have a system very similar and sometimes even more "free" (Holland?) than the USA. The lottery here in the UK gives 50% of all lottery revenue to good causes as varied as life on earth, what is the overall percentage and the different recipients (if applicable) in the USA? And yes the residents have a right to speak as well! I actually lived most of my life in Lancaster CA and believe me I see no difference in freedom whatsoever.
Playing the lottery does not create jobs. An entrepreneur setting up a 50 employee business creates jobs. There is a set number of positions that is filled to run the lottery, yes, so what playing the lottery does is to maintain those jobs... big difference. So much for this argument.
Taxes? yes, the lotteries are taxed and the money goes straight in the State's purse... good or bad? I'm not one to judge, ask your Pastor if you have existential questions. The only thing I could say is... please, Mr Obama and co tell the truth: if 50% of the ticket price goes to winners, 45% goes into education and the rest for whoever runs the lottery, the truth is that the state gets in fact 60-70% because it will tax the poor who wins the lottery AGAIN. What I am saying is that the real percentages regarding where the money really goes IS blurred. Another blatant lie is the advertised jackpots. You really get 35% of that while in Europe you get 100% of it... you tell me which place is more considerate to citizens. Other than that I have no problem with taxes.
And lastly, dear CDanat, the "good ole USA residents" are actually 19th on the official development assistance by country as a percentage of GNI, now that's the government's job you will say. Yes but as individuals, the USA are only 6th on the world giving index... that's poor for the Number 1 economy in the world (well not for long, let's hope the Chinese will be more generous).
Again, I have no problem with lotteries and players wether they play 0 ticket or 200, I only want them to be honest and not pretext charitable contribution or job creation for buying tickets. No, greed is what takes us to the counter.