Lotteries

Addicts make up nearly 50% of Alberta’s gambling revenue

A study from the University of Lethbridge shows that in Alberta, the Canadian province that gets the most revenue from gambling, addicts fund nearly half of the gambling profits. This is especially astounding, considering gambling addicts make up only 2-3% of the population, leading to what researchers call an “ethically problematic” situation.

2013 Addicts fund nearly half of gambling revenue

LesAddicts make up nearly 50% of Alberta’s gambling revenue
read more

New York schools see stagnant aid in face of rising lottery revenue

Below is an article that details the growing gap between lottery profits and aid for education in New York state. While the revenues for the New York lottery have soared in recent years, the percentage that is allotted to the schools of New York has remain unchanged. The article also chronicles the ongoing debate over lotteries in the state of New York and is a great read for anyone looking to see the impacts of lotteries on education.

2013 Lottery revenue soars, but schools fear ‘shell game’

LesNew York schools see stagnant aid in face of rising lottery revenue
read more

Illinois Lottery gains overwhelming majority of revenue from poorer areas

This article by The Chicago Tribune outlines how poorer neighborhoods are bringing in the stark majority of sales, showing that the most disadvantaged in the Chicago community are often the most exploited by the lottery.

2013 IL Lottery – poorer neighborhoods bring in most revenue

LesIllinois Lottery gains overwhelming majority of revenue from poorer areas
read more

Survey of literature on the economics of lotteries

Below is a survey and summary of the many existing works regarding the economic impacts of lotteries in the US. It underscores the need for more unbiased research in this area, as well as giving an informative look into the how lotteries impact the economics of towns, states, and the country as a whole.

2012 The Economics of Lotteries- A Survey of the Literature 2-20-2012

LesSurvey of literature on the economics of lotteries
read more

Investigation of Iowa Lottery shows improvements need to be made

This in-depth, exhaustive study of the Iowa Lottery shows that the lottery has to make improvements to protect its customers and its integrity. The author uses the investigation to create a list of improvements the lottery can make to improve. Take some time to read this interesting investigation.

2009 Taking Chances With Integrity Iowa Lottery

LesInvestigation of Iowa Lottery shows improvements need to be made
read more

Gambling is the deadliest addiction

Below is one of the best analyses explaining why gambling addiction has the highest rate of suicide of all the addictions. The psychological effects of problem gambling can be extremely harmful, and the feeling of despair that comes with gambling away all of one’s money is toxic. This article by The Fix is a must-read for anyone looking to understand why so many gambling addicts consider taking their own lives.

2012 You Bet Your Life- Gambling Addiction and Suicide

LesGambling is the deadliest addiction
read more

Mega Failure: Why Lotteries Are A Bad Bet For State Budgets

Below is a great, concise piece by Think Progress, a political blog of the Center for American Progress, about how lotteries have been a major policy failure because they are highly regressive and are an unsustainable revenue source, ultimately worsening state budget imbalances.

2012 Mega Failure- Why Lotteries Are A Bad Bet For State Budgets

LesMega Failure: Why Lotteries Are A Bad Bet For State Budgets
read more

Lotteries hurt winners, losers, and their communities

Lotteries hurt those who win, those who lose, and their surrounding communities, as explained in this article from ThinkProgress.org. Those who win face problems such as drugs, bankruptcy, and familial tensions, those who lose deal with crippling poverty, and their surrounding areas tend to spend less and less on education.

2013 How Lotteries Are Bad For Players

LesLotteries hurt winners, losers, and their communities
read more

10 reasons why lotteries are bad for the economy

This article from Salon.com outlines the ten strongest reasons why state lotteries hurt the economy and the poor. It explains how lotteries not only hurt those who play, but also hurt local business and help foster crime.

10 reasons state lotteries ruin the economy

Les10 reasons why lotteries are bad for the economy
read more