Let’s face it: Our brains are weird when it comes to large numbers. For instance, if you tell someone that they have an astronomically small chance of having something bad happen to them, they will avoid any situation relating to the bad thing at all costs. However, if they hear that they have a one-in-a-million chance to win loads of money or a car, they’ll submit an entry right away.
That’s why people love playing the lottery, even though they’re 250 times more likely to get struck down by a bolt from the blue than to win. However, running your numbers on a regular basis can prove beneficial. Here’s how.
State Lotteries Support Public Programs
In the United States, the gambling industry has come together with the public service industry to generate funds. Many purchases of lottery tickets go towards supporting state programs like housing, education funds, and many other public goods. A portion of a winning lottery ticket may also go towards these services.
These programs, especially education lotteries, can keep in-state public college tuitions low, opening up college admissions to more students. So, when you run your lottery numbers, you may help someone get an education.
Large Cash Prizes Can Offer Financial Freedom
Of course, one of the main reasons people love playing the lottery is because of the enormous cash prizes you can win. A few dollars for a ticket seems like chump change compared to the hundreds of thousands of dollars that could be yours with the right combination of numbers.
That’s why so many people frantically search for “pick 4 near me” on a lottery night. Thousands or millions of dollars could give someone living in or near the poverty line financial freedom if they know how to save.
As long as you don’t spend money that you don’t have on lottery tickets, this can be a way to imagine a path out of poverty. Just don’t go overboard.
You Can Support Local Businesses
Last but not least, when you purchase a lottery ticket, you may be able to support a local business. Gas stations don’t make much of a commission off of the types of lotteries they sell to customers. However, they do still get a small kickback when you buy your tickets from them.
This means that you can keep a local gas station or convenience store afloat with your purchase, even if it only helps a tiny bit.
Are You Ready to Learn More About Playing the Lottery?
Playing the lottery can benefit both you and your community in a variety of ways. From supporting public programs and local businesses to pulling a lucky few out of poverty, there are many benefits to these games of chance.
However, the lottery has evolved far beyond your basic scratch ticket these days. If you’d like to learn more about how you can find the best lottery games to play in the modern age, check out the Entertainment section of our blog. We’ve got plenty of informative gaming-based articles like this one.