To the Point
The Lure of the Lotto and Its Impact on the Poor
States establish lotteries as a means of funding public services, including education, environmental protection and crime control. Best of all, of course, they're voluntary. But it turns out that most of the money they take in every year comes from the poorest Americans.
By Warren Olney • • 9m ListenStates establish lotteries as a means of funding public services, including education, environmental protection and crime control. Best of all, of course, they're voluntary. But it turns out that most of the money they take in every year comes from the poorest Americans. Powerball is shared by 44 states, with drawings on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The chance of winning that "guaranteed jackpot?" One in 175,223,510. It's not great odds -- but just one of the games that add up to $70 billion a year.
Thanks to Sarah Sween for production assistance.
The full episode
3 of 3
Shell's Risky Return to the Arctic- 1:17Coming Senate Showdown over Phone Records Collection
- 8:20America's Rejoining the Race for Arctic Oil
- 42:41The Lure of the Lotto and Its Impact on the PoorYou’re reading this
The full episode
3 of 3Shell's Risky Return to the Arctic- 1:17Coming Senate Showdown over Phone Records Collection
- 8:20America's Rejoining the Race for Arctic Oil
- 42:41The Lure of the Lotto and Its Impact on the PoorYou’re reading this