With Americans spending more than $68 billion on the lottery last year, it’s easy to see how the lottery system is big business for the states.
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But comedian John Oliver cautioned viewers on Sunday’s “Last Week Tonight” about falling for the state lottery trap.
“When you think about it, it’s a little strange for the government to be running what is basically a gigantic gambling business,” Oliver said. “But we don’t think about lotteries like that. Perhaps because they are sold to us like charitable foundations.”
He showed ads promoting various state lotteries that all played up their ties to the state budget for education.
“Those ads are basically implying that anyone who does not play the lottery is selfish,” Oliver said. “Why don’t you want to educate these harmonizing children, you f–king monster?”
But state-sponsored gambling doesn’t really bring in the benefits it promises. It unfairly targets the poorest residents, gambling addicts can’t stop themselves from spending on it, and the money rarely goes to fund educational programs.
“Lotteries are bad for losers, often bad for winners, and a pretty compromising way to assist state budgets,” Oliver said before launching into the perfect comparison.
“Think about it this way. Gambling is a little like alcohol. Most people like it, some are addicted to it, and it’s not like the state can or should outlaw it all together, but it would be a little strange if the state was in the liquor business and advertising it by claiming that every shot of vodka you drink helps schoolchildren learn.”
Watch the clip below:
