Most states have lotteries, don't they?

I was thinking...and you all know what happens when I do that.
Any-who, is it not true that in times of difficulties people have a tendency to do or utilize their latent vices more often. I’m just saying that a smoker would smoke more a drinker would drink more and so it would follow that a gambler would gambler more/? So does it not follow; so one would think?

Lottery Revenue Historical Distribution Percentages are: 50% prizes, 39% education, 5.5% retailers, 2.1% tickets, 1.8% operations, and finally 1.6% for advertising.

And that is why I want to know where all that lottery money goes. Here in Florida the pie is cut this way, 42% goes to the public schools, 25% student financial aid, 14% to classrooms first construction, 11% to division universities, and finally 8% to community colleges; at least, this is what was the case in 2005, the newest info I was able to ascertain of appropriations by segment.
And the total since its inception is over 8B in that eighteen year period, so I guess we could have spent that much.
For more info on this topic you can go to: http://www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/Finman/FINANCIALDIVISIONS/Budget/PDF/LotteryBrochureFY05.pdf

It is funny how with the recent turn of events, with the economy the way it is on the news every night about 15B here and 65B there and all those billions of dollars in bailouts, a billion doesn’t seem like that much money anymore, kidding, to a billionaire!

My point is that with the depression that we are in the Power Ball and Lottery tickets are selling like hot cakes, so then why are the schools having to cut back on programs and hiring etc.? That money should be rolling in their direction, shouldn’t it? I would think so, unless… somethings aren't so kosher in lottery-land? It’s only a thought, a bad one, but a thought.

This gambling problem I understand is not lethal like smoking or drinking too much, but some don’t pay their bills since they think they will win the BIG ONE, and must buy a bunch of winners, tickets that is. Sadly, their optimism is short lived until after the drawing, and they have so many, drawings that is… it used to be once a week, but now isn’t it a few times a week, not counting those scratch off and instant tickets. It seems the worse things get for some the more that they are willing to try to win something for their last buck, so to speak. And of course there is that one in a million, guy or gal that did win with their last buck announced on the evening news, giving credence to the game and causing more to take that chance, that one in a million to win and a chance to be that person on the news story tonight or next week. Who knows, maybe me being so jaded and cautious with my meager means I might be in the wrong, not taking that chance for everlasting financial freedom, one never really does know, does one?

On that non-committal voicing of my opinion; I will bid you all a good night and to all count those blessing and I will too!