Commentary: Lottery sales rising despite economy

Times are hard. Everyone knows it. So why are lottery sales up 2.3 percent over last year?

Lottery officials report that lottery sales are up in both Georgia and South Carolina, as much as 2.3 percent over last year in South Carolina.

Studies show that most of the people that play the lottery are those that can least afford to do so. When the economy is down, costs are rising and incomes are steady or declining, things are even worse.

When people are choosing between food for their families, paying the mortgage and gas for their cars, that’s a sign that you need to lay off the lottery tickets. Personally, I would consider that one of the easiest ways to save money, the first thing to cut when money is tight.

Admittedly, I almost never go to movies, but I would much rather go to a two-hour show than throw money down the drain on a 10-second long shot chance at wealth.

If you don’t make much money, you may be tempted to play the lottery. It might be your chance at millions. But when money’s tight and you’re struggling to take care of your family, are you still going to pump money into this sucker bet? Do you even know anyone who’s ever won the top prize?

Tell me why I’m wrong, or tell me why I’m right. I don’t care either way. I still get paid the same (nothing).

Note: This is an occasional column venting the News Abuser’s frustrations over what’s actually happening in the real world. Really.