In “Lotteries Cheat, Corrupt The People” George F. Will argues that lotteries have done nothing but corrupt and cheat the people of this country. Will compares gambling to a game of jai alai saying it is a “game for the entertainment of gamblers and the benefit of, among others, the state treasury.” However, I disagree completely and truly believe that lotteries do much than that. Lotteries give personal enjoyment to those who are gambling and hope to those who are hopeless. Along with the benefits it brings to the individuals who participate, the government also profits by gaining money that they can than spend on other valuable practices.
The majority of gamblers do not gamble for the money; they do it for the enjoyment of the sport. To some people it is a stress reliever; to others it is a fun activity to do in their spare time. For example, when an adult scratches away at the selected spots on their ticket with their lucky penny they are finding pleasure in its activity. Some individuals, majority being elders, are incapable of participating in physical sports. Physical sports bring competition, thrill, and exhilaration to those who play them. When an individual is unable to participate they commonly lose the feelings that come along with the activities. Lotteries have the ability to reestablish these feelings of excitement and enjoyment for those who are incapable of finding their enjoyment elsewhere. In addition to providing enjoyment, lotteries strengthen hope for hopeless individuals as well.
Hope is the number one driving force that keeps people going in this world. Individuals get out of bed every morning because they have motivation. Motivation can stem from many things. Those who find little motivation in everyday activity may resort to lotteries for this hope and inspiration. If a low-income adult was struggling with money and bought a lottery ticket, they now possess a sense of hope that money is in reach.