Lottery is a huge business that raises billions of dollars for states. It’s great for state coffers, but that money comes from somewhere and, study after study suggests, is coming disproportionately from low-income communities and minority neighborhoods. Vox’s Alvin Chang recently looked at the numbers, and the results are clear.
While there is a certain inextricable appeal to lottery games, they’re also dangling the promise of instant riches to people who can barely afford the food on their table, let alone their next car or vacation. It’s a trick that has been around for centuries, and it plays on our inherent human desire to gamble and win.
Even if you’re not planning to buy any tickets, it’s important to keep in mind the responsibilities that come with winning the lottery. A sudden influx of wealth can alter your life in drastic ways, and it’s easy to get carried away by the euphoria. This can be dangerous, especially for the elderly or those with health issues, and it’s important to have someone by your side who can help you manage your newfound wealth.
It’s also important to remember that God forbids us to covet money or the things it can buy. Instead, He wants us to work hard and earn our wealth honestly. Remember, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth” (Proverbs 10:4). If you do end up winning the lottery, it’s best to store your ticket in a safe place and sign it before handing it over to a clerk to check.
