What is a Lottery?
Lottery is a game in which tokens are sold for a chance to win a prize. The first recorded use of the word in English was in 1569, although a printed lottery date from 1609. Lotteries are often referred to as games of chance or chance events and may be operated by government agencies or private organizations. The term is also used to refer to a selection made by chance from a group of applicants or competitors: The state uses a lottery to assign space in the campground.
It’s easy to see why lottery advertising focuses on big prizes. The big payouts can create a false sense of possibility and make people believe that winning the lottery is more than just a regular game of chance. In the long run, however, lottery players can become addicted to the habit and spend much more than they can afford on tickets.
The average American buys a ticket in the lottery once a week, spending an estimated $22 per week. However, the biggest moneymakers are a relatively small group of people who play regularly and purchase many tickets per year. According to Les Bernal, an anti-state-sponsored gambling advocate, about 70 to 80 percent of the lottery’s total revenue comes from just 10 percent of its player base. This group is disproportionately low-income, less educated, nonwhite, and male.
A lot of people are willing to spend a large portion of their incomes on lottery tickets in the hope that they will win big. Some are even willing to quit their jobs in the hopes of becoming rich enough to support themselves and their families with the winnings. However, experts advise against making major life changes soon after winning the lottery. This is because the sudden influx of cash can lead to depression, addiction, and even suicide.
The truth is that the odds of winning are slim, especially for those who buy tickets regularly. And while the media likes to portray lottery winners as happy, successful people, many end up in troubled situations and sometimes find themselves worse off than before. The case of Abraham Shakespeare, who won $31 million in 2006 and whose body was found concealed under a concrete slab, is just one of many such examples.
While there is an inexorable human impulse to gamble, it’s important to understand the consequences of doing so before you take that plunge. This video explains the concept of a Lottery in a simple, concise way for kids and beginners. It could be used as part of a Money & Personal Finance lesson for kids & teens, or by parents & teachers as a component of a Financial Literacy course or K-12 curriculum. The vocabulary & content is appropriate for grades 3-8. This video is available on our YouTube Channel, or as a download on our website. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us! We’d love to hear from you! 2016 Merriam-Webster.
Lottery is a game in which tokens are sold for a chance to win a prize. The first recorded use of the word in English was in 1569, although a printed lottery date from 1609. Lotteries are often referred to as games of chance or chance events and may be operated by government agencies or private organizations. The term is also used to refer to a selection made by chance from a group of applicants or competitors: The state uses a lottery to assign space in the campground. It’s easy to see why lottery advertising focuses on big prizes. The big payouts can create a false sense of possibility and make people believe that winning the lottery is more than just a regular game of chance. In the long run, however, lottery players can become addicted to the habit and spend much more than they can afford on tickets. The average American buys a ticket in the lottery once a week, spending an estimated $22 per week. However, the biggest moneymakers are a relatively small group of people who play regularly and purchase many tickets per year. According to Les Bernal, an anti-state-sponsored gambling advocate, about 70 to 80 percent of the lottery’s total revenue comes from just 10 percent of its player base. This group is disproportionately low-income, less educated, nonwhite, and male. A lot of people are willing to spend a large portion of their incomes on lottery tickets in the hope that they will win big. Some are even willing to quit their jobs in the hopes of becoming rich enough to support themselves and their families with the winnings. However, experts advise against making major life changes soon after winning the lottery. This is because the sudden influx of cash can lead to depression, addiction, and even suicide. The truth is that the odds of winning are slim, especially for those who buy tickets regularly. And while the media likes to portray lottery winners as happy, successful people, many end up in troubled situations and sometimes find themselves worse off than before. The case of Abraham Shakespeare, who won $31 million in 2006 and whose body was found concealed under a concrete slab, is just one of many such examples. While there is an inexorable human impulse to gamble, it’s important to understand the consequences of doing so before you take that plunge. This video explains the concept of a Lottery in a simple, concise way for kids and beginners. It could be used as part of a Money & Personal Finance lesson for kids & teens, or by parents & teachers as a component of a Financial Literacy course or K-12 curriculum. The vocabulary & content is appropriate for grades 3-8. This video is available on our YouTube Channel, or as a download on our website. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us! We’d love to hear from you! 2016 Merriam-Webster.