The Truth About Playing the Lottery
In the United States alone, lottery players spend billions annually. Some people play for the sheer pleasure of betting against the odds; others believe that winning the lottery is a way to live a happier and more secure life. Yet the reality is that the odds of winning are very low, and playing the lottery can be extremely expensive. According to the consumer financial company Bankrate, those who earn more than $50,000 a year on average spend about one percent of their income on tickets; for those making less than that amount, the percentage is thirteen percent.
The practice of determining property distribution by lot is ancient—it is attested to in the Old Testament and used by emperors like Nero for lavish gifts (including slaves), or for a kind of party game during Saturnalia feasts, in which guests were given pieces of wood with symbols on them. It became a popular dinner entertainment in the seventeenth century, and eventually was adopted by states seeking painless ways to raise money.
Traditionally, the prize in a lottery has been a fixed sum of cash, though prizes are also commonly offered goods or services. Several colonial American colonies raised funds for public projects through lotteries. In 1744 the Province of Massachusetts Bay authorized a lottery to fund its expedition against Canada, and in May 1758 it sanctioned another lottery to finance fortifications and local militias. A 1755 lottery raised money to build the University of Pennsylvania, and in the eighteenth century a number of colleges and libraries were founded by lottery proceeds.
Modern lotteries often offer multiple jackpot levels, with higher odds of winning a larger amount. These games are a major source of revenue for many state governments, which can then give the money to local programs. Some lotteries are geared towards particular groups, such as the disabled or veterans. Despite the popularity of these games, some critics question their effectiveness.
The story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson reflects many of the same themes as the lottery, including humankind’s inability to change its own nature. Although the villagers in Jackson’s tale believe that the lottery will benefit them, nothing of real value is achieved. Instead, they engage in a series of deceptions and evil acts that reveal their innermost sins. In their attempts to avoid the consequences of their actions, they end up destroying themselves and each other. The result is a tragic and morally disturbing tale that suggests a fundamental evil in humanity. The lottery has its place in society, but it must be carefully scrutinized and monitored for its effect on individuals and the larger community. Those who win should remember that they could be subject to taxes on any income above $11.4 million, and be careful about giving away their winnings. If they do decide to share their money with friends and family, they should make sure they understand that there is a limit to how much they can give away before paying tax.