I saw the same thing when I would play the lotto in NY state. I allowed myself one dollar for fun at a time. Or maybe buy 1 scratch ticket just for the helluva it. BUT, I saw people come in with a wad of tickets and cash that would choke a whale, to play every conceivable number combo that they could think of. A wad of cash that would have bought me groceries for a week or two in my nursing school days. I haven't played the lottery in years as I can't see spending a dollar that I could use to buy something like an iced tea or cold beer or a snack, something that would give immediate enjoyment. AND not make me feel like I just wasted a dollar if I didn't win.