Wifey B: I see all the condescending comments toward lottery players as if thinking they don't know how bad the odds are. The vast majority do and it's more like entertainment to them. Better odds than slot machines even those with 95% payout because no one stops till they lose on them. A lot better odds than playing golf which requires a sizable investment or even than boating. Any of you making money on your boating? I know a wealthy lady who pre-pandemic tracked all her stocks on a piece of paper at her desk every day and when they'd go up thousands, she was happy, but no where near as happy as when she won $46 one weekend at the bingo hall. And, yes, she spend $10 a week on the lottery. Was thrilled once when she won $50 although it was after two or three years of not a single win. She knew the big picture but still fun.
If someone sacrifices money needed for their family to play the lottery, I understand the criticism, but most do it for fun and on the premise that if they do accidentally win it will be great. Most states average payouts of close to 70% with all but a couple over 50%. No worse than most other forms of gambling and most lottery players spend far less than casino players.