Why The Lottery Has Universal Appeal

Let's face it, in todays world money is equal to freedom and power.  Money in itself isn't really that great, it's the freedom and power that money can buy that we all want.  With that in mind, who in the world wouldn't want to win the lottery?

A new Israeli lottery ticket and fill out slip for iGiS.

I mean of course the lottery has universal appeal.  That's why lotteries have been in existence for thousands of years and are still as popular as ever if not even more so.  Many countries have their own lotteries as do many states, and even a continent! (EuroMillions)

The idea of transforming your financial status into huge proportions overnight is a dream many of us can easily indulge in.  Most people love the idea of never having to work for someone or something they don't really want to, the freedom to travel, and the comfort of knowing you'll always have enough for you and your family.

On the left is a New Jersey Mega Millions lottery ticket.  To the right is a New York Mega Millions ticket.

Then there's all the expensive and outrageous stuff you can buy.  The cars, houses, boats, electronics, furniture, and endless list of toys.

But what else about the lottery is it that makes it popular?  Why specifically the lottery for all of a sudden getting a huge influx of cash?  Because it's a prize and it can only be won through chance.  It means all of us have the exact same chance of winning.  It truly is dished out blindly to whoever is lucky enough to win.  Everyone who buys a ticket has a shot at winning.  I don't know of any other way to get the kind of money a lottery jackpot can give you without any real strings attached.