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For a Dollar and a Dream

99% Invisible

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The Lottery Phenomenon: Economics and Psychology

This chapter explores the proliferation of state lotteries, emphasizing the psychological drive for immediate gratification through gaming. It covers the historical roots of lotteries, the introduction of scratch tickets in Massachusetts, and contemporary comparisons to legalized recreational marijuana and sports betting. The chapter examines the moral justifications for lotteries, their economic implications, and the evolving mechanics of lottery systems over time.

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