Letters: Second thoughts on the lottery

Re “Mega Millions draws up longer odds, fewer winners,” Column, Dec. 13

Anyone considering buying a Mega Millions lottery ticket should first read David Lazarus’ column. His disclosure of the infinitesimally low odds of winning — and the lower economic classes’ vastly disproportionate burden of sustaining lotteries — should resonate with most readers.

Several years ago I learned that within two hours an unusually large lottery would close and draw for a winner. I decided to walk to a local convenience store to buy a few tickets for a chance at becoming an instant millionaire.

As I put on my coat, I reconsidered. I concluded that in walking half a mile to buy a ticket, my chances of being mugged, while remote, far exceeded my chance of winning the lottery.

So I stayed home and saved a few bucks.

Betty Turner

Sherman Oaks

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