The Lottery Was Not Created For Poor People To PlayPrev Topic Next Topic

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Coin Toss

Zeta Reticuli Star System
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Dec 5, 2014, 12:27 am

Numbers game

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Numbers game, also known as a numbers racket, policy racket, Italian lottery, or black pool, is an illegal lottery played mostly in poor neighborhoods in the United States, wherein a bettor attempts to pick three digits to match those that will be randomly drawn the following day. In recent years, the "number" would be the last three digits of "the handle"�the amount race track bettors placed on race day at a major racetrack�published in racing journals and major newspapers in New York. A gambler places a bet with a bookie at a tavern or other semi-private place that acts as a betting parlor. A runner carries the money and betting slips between the betting parlors and the headquarters, called a numbers bank or policy bank. The name "policy" is from a similarity to cheap insurance, both seen as a gamble on the future.

The game dates back at least to the beginning of the Italian lottery in 1530. "Policy shops," where bettors choose numbers, were in the United States prior to 1860. In 1875, a report of a select committee of the New York State Assembly stated that "the lowest, meanest, worst form ... [that] gambling takes in the city of New York, is what is known as policy playing."

The game was popular in Italian neighborhoods in America and known as the "Italian lottery." It was also common in many urban African-American, Irish-American, and Jewish-American communities. It was known in Cuban-American communities as bolita ("little ball").

By the early 20th century, the game was associated with poor communities and could be played for as little as $0.01. One of the game's attractions to low income and working class bettors was the ability to bet small amounts of money. Also, unlike state lotteries, bookies could extend credit to the bettor. Policy winners could avoid paying income tax. Different policy banks would offer different rates, though a payoff of 600 to 1 was typical. Since the odds of winning were 1,000:1, the expected profit for racketeers was enormous.

Those who run the lotteries love it when players look for consistency in something that's designed not to have any. So many systems, so many theories, so few jackpot winners.

There is one and only one 'proven' system, and that is to book the action. No matter the game, let the players pick their own losers.
Stack47

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Dec 5, 2014, 2:19 pm

Quote: Originally posted by THRIFTY on Dec 4, 2014
"The presumption that poor people spend more on the lottery is flat-out wrong, but don't take my word for it, ask your lottery for their demographic study."

Poor people spend money at casinos too, but they are not called Big Whales.

There are plenty of anti-gambling groups in every state that successfully delayed or prevented creations of state lotteries and casinos. And that's who started the "it's a tax on the poor" mantra. Lots of members are pointing out that people on public assistance purchase lottery tickets and I watched the purchase of scratch-offs using an EBT card.

While I understand and agree there is fine line on whether or not people on public assistance should purchase lottery tickets, the anti-gambling people suggest eliminating the lottery all together as the only prevention.

How do you define "poor people"?
THRIFTY

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Dec 5, 2014, 3:34 pm

Quote: Originally posted by Stack47 on Dec 5, 2014
There are plenty of anti-gambling groups in every state that successfully delayed or prevented creations of state lotteries and casinos. And that's who started the "it's a tax on the poor" mantra. Lots of members are pointing out that people on public assistance purchase lottery tickets and I watched the purchase of scratch-offs using an EBT card.

While I understand and agree there is fine line on whether or not people on public assistance should purchase lottery tickets, the anti-gambling people suggest eliminating the lottery all together as the only prevention.

How do you define "poor people"?

FINANCIALLY DESPERATE, IGNORANT, GREEDY AND LAZY PEOPLE WHO PLAY THE LOTTERY?

I am joking.LOL
Drenick1

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Dec 5, 2014, 3:45 pm

Quote: Originally posted by THRIFTY on Dec 5, 2014
FINANCIALLY DESPERATE, IGNORANT, GREEDY AND LAZY PEOPLE WHO PLAY THE LOTTERY?

I am joking.LOL

Would that include protesters as well?
pickone4me

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Dec 6, 2014, 10:18 am

Quote: Originally posted by Stack47 on Dec 5, 2014
There are plenty of anti-gambling groups in every state that successfully delayed or prevented creations of state lotteries and casinos. And that's who started the "it's a tax on the poor" mantra. Lots of members are pointing out that people on public assistance purchase lottery tickets and I watched the purchase of scratch-offs using an EBT card.

While I understand and agree there is fine line on whether or not people on public assistance should purchase lottery tickets, the anti-gambling people suggest eliminating the lottery all together as the only prevention.

How do you define "poor people"?

I find it hard to believe scratch offs were purchased with an EBT card. The way it is suppose to work, is that if there is any non food items, you have to pay the rest in cash...

Redacted
Drenick1

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Dec 6, 2014, 3:59 pm

Quote: Originally posted by pickone4me on Dec 6, 2014
I find it hard to believe scratch offs were purchased with an EBT card. The way it is suppose to work, is that if there is any non food items, you have to pay the rest in cash...

I have actually witnessed the purchase of lottery tickets with a EBT/food stamp card. Apparently some people not only receive food benefits but also cash each month to spend ANYWHERE that accepts these cards. The ones that only have a food balance cannot purchase anything else other than food but those who do receive cash payouts are the ones who we always hear about in the news.

These entitlement benefits are electronically transferred each month and are placed on the same card.
pickone4me

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Dec 6, 2014, 5:25 pm

Quote: Originally posted by Drenick1 on Dec 6, 2014
I have actually witnessed the purchase of lottery tickets with a EBT/food stamp card. Apparently some people not only receive food benefits but also cash each month to spend ANYWHERE that accepts these cards. The ones that only have a food balance cannot purchase anything else other than food but those who do receive cash payouts are the ones who we always hear about in the news.

These entitlement benefits are electronically transferred each month and are placed on the same card.

I am not aware of cash benefits coming with those EBT cards, just for food. Are you talking about supplemental security income being put on those cards, if it is, then it is a non issue then.

Redacted
mikeintexas

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Dec 6, 2014, 8:13 pm

Quote: Originally posted by tntea on Dec 4, 2014
It is sad to sit back and watch people work two or more jobs and pay taxes on all their jobs so people on assistants can play the lottery. If a person can afford a cigarette, a beer or a lottery ticket, they should not be on public assistant PERIOD! It is dead wrong and they should be ashamed of themselves.

That post you quoted has been making me fume since I read it a couple of days ago, esp. this part: "Once they have qualified for assistance that money is theirs and they can spend it however they see fit."

The money was intended to help with proper nutrition, housing or other necessities, not someone's vices. It's the same sort of childish reasoning I once used as a young boy and my momma used to later joke about. I was wanting something and my mother told me she didn't have enough money and I petulantly replied "Well, just write a check!" People who think they're owed public assistance and those such as who you quoted don't care that it's someone's hard earned money they're spending, don't care that it's putting not only this generation in debt, but also generations in the future. I don't mind helping those truly in need, I just don't want to subsidize bad habits. If they're spending taxpayer's money on lottery tickets, then they're stealing from those who really could use the help.

"...they should be ashamed of themselves." I disagree. They SHOULD be knocked in their heads with a baseball bat, just like other cons, scam artists and thieves.
Drenick1

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Dec 6, 2014, 10:23 pm

Quote: Originally posted by pickone4me on Dec 6, 2014
I am not aware of cash benefits coming with those EBT cards, just for food. Are you talking about supplemental security income being put on those cards, if it is, then it is a non issue then.

From what I have been informed the cash that gets funded to some EBT cards are not supplemental security income but actually a cash debit account in which the recipient can do as they wish. It is just another form of entitlement that is offered to people who qualify for this aid.

I have no issues with those who truly need the help but it seems many are taking advantage of the system.
noise-gate

* In hot pursuit of $ *

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Dec 6, 2014, 11:57 pm

Quote: Originally posted by THRIFTY on Dec 3, 2014
Why would the lottery promote products to people that can't afford to play? The middle class and the rich play the most, because they can afford it.

I think you are mistaken, the folks who run these lotteries really don't care who they target, just as long as people make a wager, whether they be rich or poor .

Out here in California the State Lottery has this slogan " Just imagine what a Buck could do"- if that is not a brilliant marketing ploy, l don't know what is. It could very well be sending a signal to people who are collecting beer cans & bottles that there is " hope though ever so slightly of winning millions". All one has to do is fork over a $1.00....and Dream of the endless possibilities.

* Voice of Reason *

* People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it- George Bernard Shaw.
Stack47

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Dec 7, 2014, 1:32 am

Quote: Originally posted by pickone4me on Dec 6, 2014
I find it hard to believe scratch offs were purchased with an EBT card. The way it is suppose to work, is that if there is any non food items, you have to pay the rest in cash...

I was next in line and after seeing the look on my face, the clerk assured me it was legal. My guess is it was how the clerk rang it up because the state law prohibits purchasing lottery tickets using an EBT card. In stores that won't take an EBT card as payment for lottery tickets, they probably do it the old fashioned way by selling something they bought using their card.

The real problem is when they win a bunch of money, don't tell the welfare people, and continue receiving public assistance.
Stack47

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Dec 7, 2014, 1:42 am

Quote: Originally posted by noise-gate on Dec 6, 2014
I think you are mistaken, the folks who run these lotteries really don't care who they target, just as long as people make a wager, whether they be rich or poor .

Out here in California the State Lottery has this slogan " Just imagine what a Buck could do"- if that is not a brilliant marketing ploy, l don't know what is. It could very well be sending a signal to people who are collecting beer cans & bottles that there is " hope though ever so slightly of winning millions". All one has to do is fork over a $1.00....and Dream of the endless possibilities.

We could substitute cigarettes for lottery tickets because almost all the stores that sell tickets, sell smokes and ask why they promote tobacco products to people who are on public assistance. When you think about it, they could get off public assistance after purchasing lottery tickets and winning a jackpot and can't say after buying smokes.
RJOh

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Dec 7, 2014, 2:06 am

Quote: Originally posted by Stack47 on Dec 5, 2014
There are plenty of anti-gambling groups in every state that successfully delayed or prevented creations of state lotteries and casinos. And that's who started the "it's a tax on the poor" mantra. Lots of members are pointing out that people on public assistance purchase lottery tickets and I watched the purchase of scratch-offs using an EBT card.

While I understand and agree there is fine line on whether or not people on public assistance should purchase lottery tickets, the anti-gambling people suggest eliminating the lottery all together as the only prevention.

How do you define "poor people"?

If people are using their EBT cards to buy lottery tickets then they are being aided by merchants who are making money doing it. They probably are the ones also making money by discounting their winning tickets.

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

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Dec 7, 2014, 12:51 pm

Quote: Originally posted by noise-gate on Dec 6, 2014
I think you are mistaken, the folks who run these lotteries really don't care who they target, just as long as people make a wager, whether they be rich or poor .

Out here in California the State Lottery has this slogan " Just imagine what a Buck could do"- if that is not a brilliant marketing ploy, l don't know what is. It could very well be sending a signal to people who are collecting beer cans & bottles that there is " hope though ever so slightly of winning millions". All one has to do is fork over a $1.00....and Dream of the endless possibilities.

Great response!! This is what the lottery commissions bank on...the simple yet 'shot among the stars' chance that one could instantly be a millionaire with a buck or two. I beg to differ that mostly rich or well-off folks are playing these games because it doesn't stand to reason for them to 'need' the money and 'wish' they could hit in order to enjoy a better lifestyle. The rich and well-off are already enjoying very good lifestyles and money is generally no object to them for anything they may want...within reason. Poor folks, on the other hand, look at these people and only wish they could have it that way while seeing the only way of getting there without all the effort and hard work is to buy lottery tickets worth millions if they match numbers. It's an ongoing marketing idea that the lotteries have mastered through commercials and 'jingles'.

What person sitting down in front of their television strapped with bills, next to no money in the bank, living 'less' than paycheck to paycheck, has very little education, and is depressed wouldn't buy in to such the idea???? Then we have the retirees, who are on a fixed income, spending their money on tickets for the same chances. Then, we have the homeless which we discussed here before that panhandle for a few bucks to 'eat' but, end up buying lottery tickets. I believe it was ridgerunner that shared a story a while back about a very old homeless lady that he woud give a couple of bucks here and there only to find out she was buying tickets with the money. He did a great thing and I'm all for a person giving to the poor and do it all the time but, to discover that the person is spending my money on lottery ticket when they should be eating to survive is a little disturbing.

Summary: The lotteries do target those people desperate to be relieved of their financial, mental anguish via instant millions...an instant change in lifestyle...no more worries if you just spend a buck!!!! It's not their job to market just how hard it is to actually win, only to market the winners and how how happy they are now after having played and FINALLY WON!!!! Rich and well-to-do people...'they get it' by running the numbers and applying math and decide to simply 'casually' play without all the hype and expectations which causes a person to spend more money more often in desperation of hoping to win.

noise-gate, I think we nailed it. Great job, buddy.

Small games, frequent wins, and regular payouts 'cause.....

There are seven days in the week...'Someday' isn't one of them.

#lotto-4-a-living
myturn

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Dec 10, 2014, 4:36 pm

At the end of the day, we all win! We all benefit from the revenue raised, whether we play or not, whether we will not.

It's a win win situation!

We all get a lot out of lotteries!

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