Playing the lottery is a source of fun for a lot of people. In small increments, it can be ok. But many people play when they cant afford it - in fact, the vast majority of those who play the lottery simply shouldnt be doing it. Why? Think about it - you pay at minimum a couple of bucks. You get, at most, a few seconds of pleasure if you win. Most people play frequently - anywhere from a few times a week to a few times a month. It may not sound like much, but it adds up.

When shouldnt you play the lottery? If you have any kind of debt problems at all, you need to give it up. Be realistic - you arent going to win. In the long run, nearly everyone loses. The odds of hitting that jackpot are just too slim, and even those who do win often pump it right back into the states coffers. Instead of blowing the money, you could have been gradually paying off your credit cards - a much better, and guaranteed, option.

What should you do instead? If you like the thrill of the chance of winning money and cant give it up, look online a little. There are many free sites that will let you play an online lottery for nothing - you still have a chance of winning, but you dont have to waste your money. The best part is, you can play as often as you want.