Advantages and disadvantages

A cash lottery creates excitement and fantasies of paying debts or never having to work again.

• Lotteries are criticised for being an addictive form of gambling.
• The chances of winning are slim. Statistically, you're more likely to be struck by lightning or becoming a billionaire than winning the Mega Millions jackpot.
• Those who do win a jackpot are often worse off than before. It often triggers a decline in the quality of life.
• The proceeds from lottery ticket sales do sometimes go to good causes.