The problem is that some people spend a tenner a week on it in the belief that they WILL win. Then you hear them complaining a few days later that they're struggling to make ends meet.
It does take advantage of people though. ??1 on a 56:1 shot to win ??10 makes no sense. I'm fairly sure if you want, you can get proper odds in a betting shop on the Irish lottery.
Generally people don't understand statistics or percentages and just see the big numbers.
You ate paying your pound for the right to dream.......when life us shit you can at least play the game of if I win I will do this..........but you only need one pound to play.....people do get carried away....but that must be thrift nature.....if it wasn't lottery it would be alcohol or something else addictive
I buy a ticket now and then. It let's me play the "when I win the lottery" game.
The lottery made gambling less 'seedy', as you don't have to go into a bookies to play, but these days if it weren't the lottery it would be on-line poker or some such.
It's a very good indication that a lot of people haven't got a clue about statistics. The most obvious indication is when there's an octuple roll-over and all of a sudden more tickets are sold. So because you've got a 14,000,000:1 chance of winning more money than you'd know what to do with, compared to a 14,000,000:1 chance of winning a different amount of money you wouldn't know what to do with - with the added attention of the tabloid press - you're more likely to buy a ticket. Yeah, that makes sense!
Of course, psychologists or economists (or psychological economists?) may talk of the abstract concept of utility being enjoyed simply by taking part, since you've got to be "in it to win it", and maybe the element of hope gives genuine positive feeling in itself. (Bit like religion.) I still don't play it though. Mug's game.
Not sure where you are coming from with a tax angle, the lottery is total personal choice, actually just like tattoos, cigarettes and booze. Don't like them don't do them.
Not sure whether it has been mentioned but the Lottery has been the main driving force behind Team GB's success so at least all those "stupid" people have been instrumental in that, even if they have sat down with a beer and a fag to watch!
Why shouldn't people buy lottery tickets? We can all have dreams. Lottery funding has paid for many good things apart from Team GB funding. As for beer and fags, neither is illegal it's personal choice.
(I apologise if my punctuation has been incorrect).
Comments
It's not a tax because there's a chance you'll get something back.
Ernie chose two of my premium bonds this month
Maybe you should discuss it with some of the multi millionaire winners Notts...
The odds are irrelevant in some respects. The jackpot will be won by somebody eventually.
And I still have those two bonds, to go into the next draw
The problem is that some people spend a tenner a week on it in the belief that they WILL win. Then you hear them complaining a few days later that they're struggling to make ends meet.
Notts...i actually agree with you..I've never done it...and thus am probably at least £52 a year up on those that do!
Good lad!
I only buy a ticket when the prize is £100 million or more. £2-3 million is just not enough
I'll save my quid. At least I'll be £52 a year richer.
It does take advantage of people though. ??1 on a 56:1 shot to win ??10 makes no sense. I'm fairly sure if you want, you can get proper odds in a betting shop on the Irish lottery.
Generally people don't understand statistics or percentages and just see the big numbers.
How many tickets are sold on a normal week?
I buy a ticket now and then. It let's me play the "when I win the lottery" game.
The lottery made gambling less 'seedy', as you don't have to go into a bookies to play, but these days if it weren't the lottery it would be on-line poker or some such.
Fools and their money are soon parted.
It's a very good indication that a lot of people haven't got a clue about statistics. The most obvious indication is when there's an octuple roll-over and all of a sudden more tickets are sold. So because you've got a 14,000,000:1 chance of winning more money than you'd know what to do with, compared to a 14,000,000:1 chance of winning a different amount of money you wouldn't know what to do with - with the added attention of the tabloid press - you're more likely to buy a ticket. Yeah, that makes sense!
Of course, psychologists or economists (or psychological economists?) may talk of the abstract concept of utility being enjoyed simply by taking part, since you've got to be "in it to win it", and maybe the element of hope gives genuine positive feeling in itself. (Bit like religion.) I still don't play it though. Mug's game.
What other headline has the Daily Mail got today?
Tsk Wilkie. From a fellow grammar pedant I would expect far better apostrophe control than that. Go to the back of the class.
Not sure where you are coming from with a tax angle, the lottery is total personal choice, actually just like tattoos, cigarettes and booze. Don't like them don't do them.
No more than those of us who enter 5k, 10k, HM or marathons with absolutely no chance of winning.
Not sure whether it has been mentioned but the Lottery has been the main driving force behind Team GB's success so at least all those "stupid" people have been instrumental in that, even if they have sat down with a beer and a fag to watch!
Dreamtwister try looking up the word "irony" and just chill out. Believe it or not the whole world is against you.
Why shouldn't people buy lottery tickets? We can all have dreams. Lottery funding has paid for many good things apart from Team GB funding. As for beer and fags, neither is illegal it's personal choice.
(I apologise if my punctuation has been incorrect).
I would have put a comma after 'illegal'........
I think I'd prefer a semi-colon.