"Seriously, if it wasn't illegal gambling where these people gambled I don't see a problem." Here's the problem: New York State runs a gambling enterprise, th

"Seriously, if it wasn't illegal gambling where these people gambled I don't see a problem." Here's the problem: New York State runs a gambling enterprise, the lottery. The lottery is a source of revenue for the state, and it is a sneaky way to tax the poor (who are the most likely to buy lottery tickets, despite the poor odds). New York State does not want competition; they already have to put up with reservation casinos, the lotteries of neighboring states, Atlantic City, etc. The last thing they want is another gambling operation that is more exciting and has a higher profit potential.