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.
Lotteries
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
18 ways that state lotteries prey on the poor
Business Insider spotlights 18 ways in which lotteries prey upon America’s least favored.
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.