5abbingia t1_iy03g4o wrote
Reply to comment by algabana in People who win the lottery make poor financial decisions because people who make good financial decisions don't buy lottery tickets. by DjHalk45
I see your point, but the thrill comes from the expectation of winning, doesn't it? And that's an unreasonable expectation.
PM_ur_Rump t1_iy06x62 wrote
It's unreasonable to say "I can give $2 to the lottery fund every few months, which goes to help support state programs, daydream a bit about being a millionaire, and not at all miss the money?" It's basically a donation with a chance of a payout.
BetterFuture22 t1_iy07qao wrote
Yes, hence nickname of "poor people tax"
PM_ur_Rump t1_iy09bx0 wrote
A voluntary donation is not a tax.
BetterFuture22 t1_iy0oybr wrote
That's why I put it in quotes, clever one.
Let's be real, the vast majority of purchasers are people who don't have a lot of money - if they were better at math, they'd realize they're just throwing that money away.
PM_ur_Rump t1_iy1jsi4 wrote
But it's not throwing money away. It's just spending money on something that they want to spend money on. Yes, if you are buying a bunch of tickets regularly, it quickly becomes a form of real gambling with terrible odds, but for most it's just a buck or two that doesn't really hurt them. No different than spending money on anything just because you want it. It's not an investment, it's just a game with a side of charity. "Poor" people are allowed to perform acts of charity too.
heidismiles t1_iy0409u wrote
Have you never fantasized about being wealthy before? Are you from Earth?
algabana t1_iy049e4 wrote
there is a chance of winning isnt there? it doesnt have to outweigh the cost to be thrilling
take it this way: i know that by buying $20 worth of tickets every week i will be losing on average $5 a week. on the other hand, every week theres a 10% chance i end up making $100, the thrill of that is an experience worth more than $5 according to me.
MooPig48 t1_iy07vgd wrote
Expectation? I don’t really think anyone has that expectation. Hope, sure.
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