[Drango]

In effect, state lotteries function as a kind of stupidity tax.

And a tax on people who are poor at math.

[rellimpank]

--not that I'm particularly defending state lotteries, but they are a voluntary tax on those stupid enough to participate--

[semaj]

Question:

How does state sponsored gambling, which appeals to our baser instincts such as greed and covetousness, promote the general welfare?