I saw somebody argue once that the main purpose of a state run lottery is to keep the masses from rising up. As long as the poor think there is a magic way out

I saw somebody argue once that the main purpose of a state run lottery is to keep the masses from rising up. As long as the poor think there is a magic way out - as long as they can draw some hope from buying a lottery ticket - they will be more sedated. To be extra effective, there was also the need to nurture the idea that wealth doesn't make you happy, to provide comfort for those who did not win; hence the steady stream of news stories about lottery winners squandering their sudden wealth, or losing their friends and family. I can't find the video now.