Yes, but still.  The essence of a tax is its involuntary nature.  The mafia&#x27;s numbers racket was a tax, or would be but for the mafia&#x27;s lack of legitimacy (if you consider being a legitimate government a precondition for levying a tax).  You played or someone broke your legs or burned down your house.  Last time I checked, no state is doing anything like that.  There are many things wrong with state-run lotteries, but they&#x27;re not a tax.  If you don&#x27;t like the way the lottery is priced, don&#x27;t play.  Your kneecaps won&#x27;t know the difference.