The states skim 50% off the top of lottery sales, then operating costs of the lottery commissions are deducted, and finally about 30% of the revenue is paid back as prizes. The Mob used to pay out a higher percentage on the numbers racket. The lottery really is a voluntary tax on people who don’t grasp probability. On the plus side, the convenience stores are filled with retirees buying scratch-offs from the machines, so in a way they are rolling their social security back into the system.
So, Plumbob, you’re intimating The Mob is more “honest” than the lotteries? Well, no, likely just “less overhead”, as in, waaaaaay fewer fingers in the pie. And no gummint taxes, either.
Despite being in daily rerun mode for a year and a half with no word on the strip’s fate to end by Spring or Summer 2015, this is the first Sunday rerun (originally from January 18, 2009) in a long time!
Love Bucky’s first question! It reminds me of sermons where the pastor says, “Scholars say…” without adding, “while other scholars say….” Just to support their own viewpoint to the unquestioning folks in the pews. And I say this as a devout Christian!
Well, I’m glad to see there are a least a couple of people here who understand that the money raised for education is then offset by the lack of other funds that were previously allocated to education. It’s a shell game.
How many people that are against gambling due to low payoff see no problem with government run programs? Letting the government feed itself by taking a huge bite out of your taxes that are supposed to be for social programs.
rexxster about 10 years ago
Plumbob Wilson about 10 years ago
The states skim 50% off the top of lottery sales, then operating costs of the lottery commissions are deducted, and finally about 30% of the revenue is paid back as prizes. The Mob used to pay out a higher percentage on the numbers racket. The lottery really is a voluntary tax on people who don’t grasp probability. On the plus side, the convenience stores are filled with retirees buying scratch-offs from the machines, so in a way they are rolling their social security back into the system.
Reppr Premium Member about 10 years ago
I see a lot of middle-aged people who look like they can’t afford their rent buying them.
juicebruce about 10 years ago
No tickie no Winnie.
P51Strega about 10 years ago
It’s voluntary.
Al Nala about 10 years ago
So, Plumbob, you’re intimating The Mob is more “honest” than the lotteries? Well, no, likely just “less overhead”, as in, waaaaaay fewer fingers in the pie. And no gummint taxes, either.
fatchance about 10 years ago
@EgrayjYeah, I would hate it if I only got a million dollars.
Darryl Heine about 10 years ago
Despite being in daily rerun mode for a year and a half with no word on the strip’s fate to end by Spring or Summer 2015, this is the first Sunday rerun (originally from January 18, 2009) in a long time!
arbyrb about 10 years ago
I hope it keeps going, even in perpetual rerun mode. Especially since I found the strip late and many of these are new to me.
rphbeta about 10 years ago
Only two balls? Fixed? Seems mutually exclusive.
lmonteros about 10 years ago
Love Bucky’s first question! It reminds me of sermons where the pastor says, “Scholars say…” without adding, “while other scholars say….” Just to support their own viewpoint to the unquestioning folks in the pews. And I say this as a devout Christian!
alviebird about 10 years ago
Well, I’m glad to see there are a least a couple of people here who understand that the money raised for education is then offset by the lack of other funds that were previously allocated to education. It’s a shell game.
Hunter7 about 10 years ago
Bucky must be short on cash. Rob should really look into giving that cat an allowance. Then maybe he will leave Satchel’s money alone.
BloomCo about 10 years ago
How many people that are against gambling due to low payoff see no problem with government run programs? Letting the government feed itself by taking a huge bite out of your taxes that are supposed to be for social programs.
furpurr1210 almost 10 years ago
@rphbeta : i saw what you did there! :D
jimboylan over 6 years ago
Now, even Sundays are reruns!