Weekend Open Thread > Here's an idea who's time has come.

Here's an idea who's time has come.

Here is another idea I think should be implemented when it comes to state lotteries as well. Everyone should have to show photo id. In Tennessee there are bar codes on them. Personally, I think your photo id should have to be scanned to purchase any kind of lottery ticket. If your on ANY kind of government assistance, such as food stamps, welfare, and public housing to name a few, you should be barred from buying lottery tickets.

I caught hell a few days ago because of this. I was standing behind a woman at a gas station buying lottery tickets. When she opened her wallet I noticed she had the credit card they give to people for food stamps. I was pissed. I probably shouldn't have said out loud that "You can't afford food, so you have me pay for it via taxes, however you can spend $50 on lottery tickets, lady you need to get your priorities in line." If looks could kill, I wouldn't be typing this message right now. That lady got pissed and started shouting at me until she was out of the store.
Sorry to rant like this, but people who get free food, free money and/or free or lowered rent from the government don't need to be spending any disposable cash on something that isn't a necessity for life, and is unbelievably a bad business decision.

Why is it people think there going to win when odds and statistics are way against them? What's the odds on powerball? 300 million to 1? Pick 4? 10,000 to 1. Pick 3? 1000 to 1. Hell, instant win tickets are in the 4-5 to 1 odds range. Your odds at a blackjack table are considerably higher. 52% to 48% in the house's favor. I guess this shows the financial stupidity of some people. Ok, let me get this straight. You can spend $100 on 100 1$ instant win tickets. Odds show your only going to win 20-25% of the time. The majority of the winning tickets are usually $10 or less, with more being the win of 1 free lottery ticket. So with your initial 'investment' of $100, odds are your going to take home less than $25. Does that sound like a good business deal? Of course it doesn't. Frankly, I've seen better financial acumen watching my dog swallow a quarter. In his case he was actually saving money, although I don't know if I want it back.