Are lotteries the worst thing gov'ts can do to raise cash?

Question

See where Arni in CA wants to expand lottery to gain state revenue. They've proposed that in NJ & many other states. In NJ, we've got 7% sales tax, the highest property taxes in the nation, high income tax...taxes up the wazoo & their big solution (& they called it that) is to expand NJ lottery sales & games to gain revenue.

Isn't that catering to the WORST in people? And preying on the low-income & disadvantaged?

Not to mention, if you win they tax that, too.

Answer 1

d**n, wouldn't want to take away from their beer and cigarette money for the week.

Answer 2

I agree; I can't see how that can help the overall good of the people.

Answer 3

No... taxes are....

Answer 4

You're not going to stop people from gambling, but that's something governments shouldn't be doing.

Answer 5

They are not preying necessarily on low income people. They are preying on stupid people many of which happen to be low income.

Answer 6

Lotteries fuel the lst hope in myriads of low income people. For the gov't to encourage that instead of trying to cut their own budgets is irresponsible.

It's like tying so many health care services to income from cigarettes.