What is your opinion of lotteries?

[lovepurple]

Since it is totally voluntary, I don't have a problem with it. I don't play it. My sister does every week. When she wins big I will remind her that she is my sister. People waste their money on lots of things. I only care when they are wasting my money.

 

[eliza61]

It's some thing to do for fun. when the jackpot gets big my coworkers and I kick in $2.00 a piece and buy some tickets. That's the price I would pay on a 20oz bottle of coke. We have fun dreaming of what we do if we hit. Then we come to work the next day same as always.

I don't think it's no more stupid that people who spend their money on going out for drinks or who buy yankee candles. It's a form of entertainment. No worse or better than going to Las Vegas.

No harm

 

[luvsJack]

Dh spends a dollar every week or so; depending on what states he is driving through. We don't have the lottery here in Mississippi; we have that other evil--casinos!

I would be upset if he was spending bill money or grocery money on it; but he spends out of his own money and he gets a few days to dream about what he would do if he won. Then back to reality and actually working toward those dreams.

 

[eliza61]

I agree that the lottery is a waste of money.
I hate that my state instituted one (on the sly really) a couple years back.
We pay way to much for the personnel to run it, for the infrastructure, and get very little in return.
The people who play it are throwing away their money.

I agree. I've always said it's a tax on those who can't do math. That said, DH buys his weekly $5 worth of numbers. I don't like it, but he earns a paycheck and can do it if he wants. If he spent much more than that, I'd probably throw a fit. He says it's just a way of being hopeful. Whatever.

Let me ask a question. Is it that these people are wasting money or that they are wasting it on the lottery.

I mean if your dh was say buying $5.00 worth of soda a week would it be a problem or if some one is buying spending 75.00/week on a smoking habit is that acceptable? If some one has a sneaker habit and even though they have 20 pairs wants to buy another is that better than blowing the money on the lottery? Assume in all cases that the person can afford the cost?

Just trying to figure out what determines "a waste of money" and "acceptable blowing of money"

 

[HM]

Let me ask a question. Is it that these people are wasting money or that they are wasting it on the lottery.

I mean if your dh was say buying $5.00 worth of soda a week would it be a problem or if some one is buying spending 75.00/week on a smoking habit is that acceptable? If some one has a sneaker habit and even though they have 20 pairs wants to buy another is that better than blowing the money on the lottery? Assume in all cases that the person can afford the cost?

Just trying to figure out what determines "a waste of money" and "acceptable blowing of money"

Pretty much yes to all of the above, imo.

But, it's not so much the act of playing the lottery that bothers me...its how the money that it makes is being used. If 100% went to the causes it's supposed to support...then I'd be for it. As it is, only a small percentage of the money being played even makes it into those causes (Education, in NC).

 

[luvsJack]

Pretty much yes to all of the above, imo.

But, it's not so much the act of playing the lottery that bothers me...its how the money that it makes is being used. If 100% went to the causes it's supposed to support...then I'd be for it. As it is, only a small percentage of the money being played even makes it into those causes (Education, in NC).

But, isn't that the way of most things? I mean, you give money to such and such cause only to find out that 1/2% goes to the actual cause and the rest to pay the people who handle the money?

I think that most of the people who spend their money on the lottery would be wasting it on something else or gambling in some other way. At least this way a portion of the money is going to something good.

 

[KAMKIM]

I like this thread - I do not play the lottery although if a $2 scratch off catches my eye I will get one occassionally for something to do....

This is none of my business but I do have 2 relatives that spend at least $40 a week on lottery - they NEVER win, both of these relatives have NO savings, NO extra money, and are barely squeaking by.....they dont get $40 = $160 a month....

 

[KAMKIM]

I should mention that on my birthday DH and I go to the casino and take $100 extra money with us - drinks are free and usually we break even or come out ahead... Its once a year and the only time we go out without the kids.

I really feel sorry for my family members that realyl believe they are gonig to win big someday and that it will change their lives. If they stopped this habit now they would be alittle more comfortable financially...both relatives also spend $100 + a week on cigarettes as well...so

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Let me ask a question. Is it that these people are wasting money or that they are wasting it on the lottery.

I mean if your dh was say buying $5.00 worth of soda a week would it be a problem or if some one is buying spending 75.00/week on a smoking habit is that acceptable? If some one has a sneaker habit and even though they have 20 pairs wants to buy another is that better than blowing the money on the lottery? Assume in all cases that the person can afford the cost?

Just trying to figure out what determines "a waste of money" and "acceptable blowing of money"

If someone purchases something they have that object. If you purchase a lottery ticket you have only a wish and a piece of paper. There is a difference. I think it is stupid to spend money on a worthless piece of paper. You, however, are free to blow your money on as many of these worthless pieces of paper as you choose. I think I'll go out and buy a soda instead!

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

But, isn't that the way of most things? I mean, you give money to such and such cause only to find out that 1/2% goes to the actual cause and the rest to pay the people who handle the money?

I think that most of the people who spend their money on the lottery would be wasting it on something else or gambling in some other way. At least this way a portion of the money is going to something good.

Actually, I think it does much more to give a buck to a charity than half a penny. At least with a buck they can put it with two more and buy a gallon of milk to feed someone who is hungry.

The lottery takes advantage of people in hard times, with addictions, and those not 'quick" enough to figure out they will lose more than they win. That is how it functions. It is like keno in the casinos. A sucker's bet.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

I should mention that on my birthday DH and I go to the casino and take $100 extra money with us - drinks are free and usually we break even or come out ahead... Its once a year and the only time we go out without the kids.

I really feel sorry for my family members that realyl believe they are gonig to win big someday and that it will change their lives. If they stopped this habit now they would be alittle more comfortable financially...both relatives also spend $100 + a week on cigarettes as well...so

Kankim, i get going to a casino for a date as you do. You go in knowing that the odds are against you, but it is a part of the fun losing it. You are getting something for your money.

 

[KAMKIM]

Kankim, i get going to a casino for a date as you do. You go in knowing that the odds are against you, but it is a part of the fun losing it. You are getting something for your money.

Pretty much - any night out can easily cost $100 and that $100 lasts us a few hours, once we are ahead we leave....one time I doubled my money So I got a night out, free drinks, and got $100 for my birthday...that was the best present ever!

 

[dizkids]

I dont think lottery players are out there playing to support the schools or whatever other cause.

 

[hipchickie]

Since it is totally voluntary, I don't have a problem with it. I don't play it. My sister does every week. When she wins big I will remind her that she is my sister. People waste their money on lots of things. I only care when they are wasting my money.

perfectly said!

 

[Inigo]

Let me ask a question. Is it that these people are wasting money or that they are wasting it on the lottery.

I mean if your dh was say buying $5.00 worth of soda a week would it be a problem or if some one is buying spending 75.00/week on a smoking habit is that acceptable? If some one has a sneaker habit and even though they have 20 pairs wants to buy another is that better than blowing the money on the lottery? Assume in all cases that the person can afford the cost?

Just trying to figure out what determines "a waste of money" and "acceptable blowing of money"

Well, he wouldn't be my husband if he spent even a penny on tobacco as that is a deal breaker. I didn't marry a smoker, so he better never start. Any money spent on tobacco is a tax on the incredibly stupid, IMO. I find it odd that people spend that much money to kill themselves and others around them. Sorry if I hurt any feelings, but that's how I feel.

If he spent $5 a week on sodas at the convenience store, I might talk to him about it. We can buy a 6-pack, 12-pack, or 2-liter for a lot less money. If we are away from home, that's understandable buying a drink, but not in the everyday world in which we live. He has soda at work and at home, so we don't need to go to convenience stores often.

A sneaker habit like you describe seems like a behavioral disorder to me, so that's another matter.

I don't get upset with him for spending money on the lottery, but I do think it's a waste of money. I do ask that he keep all his losing tickets until the end of the year, that way, if he does win, we can offset the taxes on the winnings by the losing tickets. At the end of the year, we throw them away because he's never won big.

 

[mrsklamc]

I will admit that my DH spends a buck or two on the lottery once in awhile. It is extremely uncharacteristic of us, as we are typically very responsible with our money.

Why does he do it? His whole office chips in with the exception of one or two people when it is over 150 million. Should the extremely unlikely happen and the office hits the jackpot, DH does not want to be one of 3 people left trying to hold the company together.

 

[eliza61]

Well, he wouldn't be my husband if he spent even a penny on tobacco as that is a deal breaker. I didn't marry a smoker, so he better never start. Any money spent on tobacco is a tax on the incredibly stupid, IMO. I find it odd that people spend that much money to kill themselves and others around them. Sorry if I hurt any feelings, but that's how I feel.

If he spent $5 a week on sodas at the convenience store, I might talk to him about it. We can buy a 6-pack, 12-pack, or 2-liter for a lot less money. If we are away from home, that's understandable buying a drink, but not in the everyday world in which we live. He has soda at work and at home, so we don't need to go to convenience stores often.

A sneaker habit like you describe seems like a behavioral disorder to me, so that's another matter.

I don't get upset with him for spending money on the lottery, but I do think it's a waste of money. I do ask that he keep all his losing tickets until the end of the year, that way, if he does win, we can offset the taxes on the winnings by the losing tickets. At the end of the year, we throw them away because he's never won big.

I'm a arm chair sociologist, that's why I asked. I find it funny how in any society we have some "vices that are acceptable" but some that are not.

If a guy goes out after work with his friends every thursday and blows $50 on beers, we find that socially acceptable because "its fun" or "he's relaxing" but if the same guy spends "50 bucks on scratch off" that is some how "different". (let's assume in both situations the person is able to afford it).

My stance is play money is play money. One person is no more "wasting it" if they go to the casino then the next person who may have a "shoe fetishes".


Some people believe if you took that money and invested it you'd have a nice little nest egg, other's believe working day to day without enjoying yourself is not living. Just very interesting how we view the "proper" way to spend money.

Now poor folk who gamble without being able to afford bread, is a entirely different story.

I don't think lotteries are an indication of intelligence, responsibilty or any thing else. It's a form of fun no different than sports betting, horse betting, going to a spa every week (which my husband thinks is a rip off). If you can afford it and that's what floats your boat, it's worth while.

 

[kacaju]

Well, I just have to say...thanks to this thread I finally looked through my little pile of lottery tickets sitting here on my desk and I have won a whole $9!!

 

[crisi]

Well, I just have to say...thanks to this thread I finally looked through my little pile of lottery tickets sitting here on my desk and I have won a whole $9!!

Congrats! Now just don't think about the rate of return.....

 

[crisi]

Let me ask a question. Is it that these people are wasting money or that they are wasting it on the lottery.

I mean if your dh was say buying $5.00 worth of soda a week would it be a problem or if some one is buying spending 75.00/week on a smoking habit is that acceptable? If some one has a sneaker habit and even though they have 20 pairs wants to buy another is that better than blowing the money on the lottery? Assume in all cases that the person can afford the cost?

Just trying to figure out what determines "a waste of money" and "acceptable blowing of money"

Honestly, I get a little peeved when anyone "blows" money that they really shouldn't. Whether that is the woman at work who spends $5 a day in the vending machine on diet coke, and complains that she can't afford gas for her car, or my cousin, who felt a token toy was needed by her son for every trip through Target - when the family was barely managing to feed itself.

And I have very little problem with someone who can afford it carrying a $400 purse. Not my thing, but to each their own. Smoking or drinking a lot of soda, well, I have issues, but they are health related.

But the lottery is a little different. For one thing, its a little like the discussions we have around here about DVC as an investment - it really isn't and yet a lot of people want to believe it is. Not that playing the lottery or owning DVC aren't fine things if you can afford them, but an investment in your financial future? No. I've met a lot of people who put $20 a week into the lottery, but can't afford to put anything in their 401k.

The second issue I have with the lottery is unlike some of the other vice spends, the lottery is the only one that our government, in its infinite wisdom, encourages and promotes. Yeah, they take advantage of smokers and drinkers by taxing cigarettes and booze to kingdom come, but they aren't off encouraging you to smoke and drink more with TV ads and billboards. I just don't think our government should be in the business of encouraging people to gamble.