State Lotteries Show Big Declines

This puts a smile on my face. Lotteries are essential a tax on idiocy, a sure way lose money (exception: 1 in 25 million). Plus, I hate waiting in line to buy wine when the clerk is servicing the gamblers, oops lottery players. I know, you may say the revenue to the state is used for education and senior services, but seducing mainly low income people to gamble away their hard earned money (or state assistance) is just not moral-Lou

State Lotteries Show Big Declines
With Rare Drop in Sales, a Formerly Recession-Proof Revenue Stream Slows

By LESLIE EATON

The sour economy is striking the one source of government financing that had been widely regarded as recession-proof: lotteries.

Education programs are a common beneficiary of lottery sales, which fell 2% in the third quarter from a year ago.

Across the U.S., many state lotteries are reporting hefty declines, with ticket sales down nearly 10% in California and more than 4% in Texas over the past few months.

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http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123024947406734259.html