I used to buy the odd lottery ticket. Then I would fantasize about my winnings until the draw. I realized this was a waste of good brain chemistry. I don't put my brain to this useless activity anymore. Gambling has its hooks in me, for sure.

Your many $10,000 prizes makes more sense, but it won't feed the addiction machine. Behind the state lotteries are a few CEOs that need $500,000+ annual salaries.

In my youth, gambling used to be illegal (except for the race track). I remember agents of the Irish Sweepstakes coming to my parents' place a couple times a year to sell tickets. Legally speaking, these agents and my parents were breaking the law.

Slowly the governments realized that it was better to be part of the addiction than trying to stop it.

I think the governments should have a big part of organized gambling. However, they should set up reasonably safe options, while trying to dissuade people from this addiction. Maybe a gambler's license that limits bets? But to profit and give out $500,000+salaries, that is wrong.