The Ads and the Odds

New York Gov. George Pataki deserves a merit badge for honesty - or at least an attempt at honesty - about his state's lottery games, which, like those of other states, are based on fooling most of the people most of the time.

The governor has ordered a change in lottery advertisements to get away from images of instant, fabulous wealth designed to lure a gullible public. Instead, the revised TV spots show people spending rather modest winnings on a new toaster or new brakes for their car. And the ads emphasize the "real" purpose of the lottery - to fund education.

Critics argue that this is high-minded malarkey, since the real reason people play is the dream of riches, despite million-in-one odds. They point out, too, that New York is about to launch a new casino-style game, "Quick Draw," crafted to separate even more citizens from their dollars.

Still, the governor is headed in the right direction. It's high time someone had a pang of conscience about the widespread official glorification of chance and irresponsibility.

You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
QR Code to The Ads and the Odds
Read this article in
https://www.csmonitor.com/1996/0827/082796.edit.edit.3.html
QR Code to Subscription page
Start your subscription today
https://www.csmonitor.com/subscribe
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us