Lottery survey

I know there's people here from all over the world and I was curious about how people feel about lotteries run by their government.

1. Is there a lottery where you live?
2. Have you bought lottery tickets? If you have, how often do you buy?
3. Do you think the government should be in the lotery business?

We have it here (New York) to mainly supplement the education system, or so the State claims. I have not purchased one in years. I am not lucky enough to win.

1. Yep, NY state has a Lottery, all manner of scratch-off tickets, access to off-track betting, but no casinos.
2. I used to buy "Scratch off" tickets. I'd buy them in spurts- Once a month I'd buy five or so. I gave up on that when I sat down and decided it was pointless.
3. Yes, I think the Government should stay in the lotto business, because without it, people would just gamble in other ways, take money to casinos, or support organized crime.

1. Nebraska has scratch tickets and PowerBall
2. I have bought scratch tickets, and usually end up breaking even
3. We use them to help fund the school systems and Gamblers Anonymous, which are both good programs.

1. NJ has both the state lottery and joins other states for a massive powerball lottery.
2. I buy them when the pots are large. Usually with my co-workers in a pool.
3. Even with the large payouts, it's still revenue for the state - they break down where the money supposedly goes on the state's lottery site. Better than raising my taxes.

1. Yes.
2. Never.
3. I've never given it any thought, frankly. But since it was introduced to combat illegal gambling syndicates, and the money it raises goes to useful public works, charities, education, and the arts, I can't really see a problem with it.

Wouldn't this thread be a better fit in Lifestyle, rather than CE?

The answers to Query 3 would suggest otherwise. Maybe later in this thread, the conversation will steer towards proper spending of lottery funds.

1. No.
2. No.
3. Indeed, I do.

Yes.
I'll buy a scratch off once in a while on a whim, or a megamillions ticket when the jackpot is really high.
I don't really care one way or the other.

Ontario and Canada have several lotteries. At work, I run our office lottery pool (largest prize in 3 years of playing: $225 split 11 ways).

If you mean should government run the lottery, there are arguments pro and con and I have no strong opinion either way. If you mean should government regulate and monitor lottery practices, then it's an absolute necessity.