The Lottery

<p>The lottery generates over $70 billion in revenue each year. Today on Civics 101 we explore how we got here; from failed lotteries in the Revolutionary War to the Golden Octopus to the Numbers Game to a Mega Millions ticket from your neighborhood shop. Where does all of that money GO? And why are states so dependent on them in the first place?</p><p>Taking us on this madcap journey are two experts on the lottery in the US; Kevin Flynn (author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/American-Sweepstakes-Bucked-Church-Lottery/dp/1611687020">American Sweepstakes</a>) and Matthew Vaz (author of <a href="https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/R/bo49299126.html">Running the Numbers</a>).</p><p>Also, we're in a friendly competition with our friends at Outside/In as to who can raise the most sugar during our year-end fund drive. Push us over the edge with a <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/nhpr/site/Donation2?3651.donation=form1&df_id=3651&mfc_pref=T&s_src=cye2020&s_subsrc=website&utm_campaign=Civics%20101%20CYE%202020&utm_medium=Website&utm_source=Donate%20Button">small donation today</a> and you'll get a really cool sticker!</p>