I object to the state lottery for the primary reason that it is not a proper role of government to serve as "bookie" to its citizens. I've got no problem with the legalization of privately-owned gambling establishments (and the government can collect the taxes from them) but the government should not be in the gambling business at all. I agree with the article and your comments. The states should not be involved in get-rich-quick type Ponzi schemes and it is why I never have and never will buy a lottery ticket.