+10 Points
(1) $100 e-gift card
Imagine winning a fortune overnight! Sounds amazing, right? That’s the dream state lotteries sell with promises of instant riches while helping communities by funding schools, parks, and other local projects. But the lottery isn’t all sunshine and dollar signs. Many winners find themselves losing it all in a few years due to poor money management or unexpected expenses, like high taxes on their winnings. Some of the government’s lottery revenue doesn’t always go where it’s promised either, with funds sometimes disappearing into less clear or helpful projects.
Another surprising part? Lotteries are often advertised heavily in under-resourced neighborhoods, making it easy for people with fewer resources to spend big hoping to strike it rich. This can encourage risky gambling habits instead of healthier financial choices like saving or investing. On the bright side, state lotteries can help raise money for local projects without raising taxes, and they can create a sense of excitement and possibility for those who play responsibly.
Let’s dig into both sides: Is the lottery worth it, or is there a better way for states to raise money and provide opportunities?
Choose one of the following prompts to address:
Pitch an Improvement: Not a fan of how the lottery works? Create an idea for a new kind of lottery or a change to the system that would make it more fair, ethical, or helpful for communities.
Advertising Reimagined: Design an ad for the lottery—either to attract more players or to show the risks of playing. Include a catchy slogan and an image. Think about who you want to reach with your message and what they need to know.
Community Impact Proposal: Imagine you’re in charge of how lottery funds are used in your community. Write a short proposal on where you’d invest the funds and why it would make a positive impact on local schools, parks, roads, or healthcare.