<i>the lottery is little more an government-sponsored exploration of the economically disadvantaged</i><p>You probably meant &quot;exploitation&quot; rather than &quot;exploration&quot;.<p>I&#x27;ve heard it phrased a little differently: The lottery is a voluntary tax on the stupid.<p>A slightly different phrasing: The lottery is a voluntary tax on the innumerate.<p>BTW I did purchase two Powerball tickets a few hours ago. Wish me luck!