California Lottery

In response to “Lottery Wins Some, Loses Some,” Column One, Oct. 3:

How can you report on California Lottery woes without mentioning the criticism heard most often? What Lotto players want is not bigger jackpots but more winners.

Lotto’s aim should not be for big-stakes players but for players in the $35,000-income range, give or take a few thousand, where the majority of players are found. Maximum winnings should be set at $1 million. Who needs $100 million? Too much of the national wealth already is concentrated in too few hands.

If a jackpot is $10 million, 10 drawings would then produce 10 instant millionaires. That, and going back to the 6/49 game, would spark unprecedented interest in Lotto and its troubles would vanish overnight.

I am convinced, however, that the lottery mentality that has taken hold of this country is taking a toll on society. I would vote the whole thing out tomorrow and hope that the fever raging across the land will soon run its course and the nation will return to a more normal life.

JAMES L. WILKINSON, North Hollywood