Lottery revenues account for a small percentage of state budgets, but some people object to them for religious or moral reasons. It is important to remember that the Lottery employs a few thousand people, and revenues from these games fund many different government programs, from small raffles to multi-state lotteries. Despite its small size, Lottery games can generate millions of dollars in prize money. To understand why people oppose them, we need to consider the history of the lottery.
Lottery revenues make up a small portion of state budgets
While lotteries make up a small percentage of state budgets, they are still a major source of income. In fact, lottery revenues now rival corporate income taxes, which are also important sources of state revenue. In 2015, state lotteries earned $66.8 billion in gross revenues, far surpassing the $48.5 billion collected in corporate income taxes. In addition, states spent $42.2 billion on prizes and other expenses, including advertising and administration, while net proceeds amounted to $21.4 billion.
Lottery opponents base their objections on religious or moral reasons
The arguments for and against the lottery are numerous. The opponents’ main argument is based on the concept of egalitarian justice. Egalitarian justice focuses on the idea of equality in social status, political participation, and choices. Equal opportunity and respect for all people are key aspects of egalitarian justice. However, if people are born with bad luck, they are more likely to benefit from the lottery than someone who is fortunate enough to win.
Lottery commissioners employ a few thousand people
The Massachusetts state lottery commission oversees thousands of licensed lottery sales agents. Recently, it came under fire for failing to run criminal background checks on more than three hundred sales agents. While background checks are required every four years, some were not done for decades. The lottery said it has made efforts to address the issue. However, Smith’s case remains unsolved. Amelia Smith bought scratch tickets at a Roslindale food mart and scratched them in her car. One of the scratch tickets, a $5 Gem Mine ticket, seemed to be a sure thing to win.
Lottery games range from simple raffles to multi-state lotteries
Multistate lotteries are a growing phenomenon that span the United States, with more than 60 percent of adults reporting that they play at least once a year. Pennsylvania, for example, has nine different draw games available, including Cash 4 Life and the Millionaire Raffle. In addition to these traditional lotteries, the Pennsylvania online lottery also offers Treasure Hunt and Millionaire Raffle games.
Lotteries raise money for prekindergarten programs in lower-income areas
Despite their benefits, lottery-funded prekindergarten programs have a double-edged sword: they help low-income children get a better start in life while also ensuring a more equitable distribution of state funds. But the problem is that lottery programs disproportionately benefit white and middle-class people. Some researchers have suggested ways to remedy this imbalance, such as means-testing lottery-funded four-year colleges.