Critics are accusing lottery about “systemic racism” after actively marketing themselves in poor Black and Brown communities around the country, according to a bombshell CNN report.
The piece, published Wednesday, comes just days after the largest Powerball jackpot ticket ever sold in Altadena, California, where one lucky resident took home a massive 2.04 billion prize dollars.
Lottery offers promise of quick wealth to low-income, black communities despite extremely small odds
Although the odds are infinite at at just 1 in 292.2 million, researchers told CNN that the state’s lotteries still actively market and sell tickets to low-income communities at higher rates, with misleading promises of Wealth is created quickly.
“These communities are disproportionately comprised of Blacks and Browns. Critics say the consequence is that disadvantaged people will be pushed further into debt by a system that is diverting wealth out of their communities,” wrote CNN’s Nicquel Terry Ellis and Justin Gamble.
Stop Predatory Gambling’s national director, Les Bernal, called the lottery a “consumer financial fraud” and a form of “systemic racism”.
The researchers found that the lottery is a regressive service, meaning that low-income groups spend more on lotteries than those with staggering incomes or wealth.
More money is spent on instant scratch games than on drawings like Powerball and Mega Millions.
CNN report finds lottery ticket shops are more likely to be located in poorer communities
CNN also reports that such lottery ticket shops are more likely to be found in poor communities in each state. To make matters worse, the money the state collects from the sale of that lottery ticket usually doesn’t go back to the community.
Instead, it is included in colleges and higher-income school districts.
However, one person cited in the article, Jonathan Cohen, said he disagreed with the racist angle promoted by other researchers CNN spoke with, adding that the lottery often there are more players when the economy is in trouble.
“And for those, especially black and brown Americans, who may face discrimination in the traditional economy, the lottery does not discriminate; Cohen said.
Boost your lottery knowledge: Lawyers explain how to make the most money without collateral damage
Meanwhile, Fox News Digital recently spoke with an attorney in Philadelphia who shared the basics every potential lottery winner should know.
Andrew Santana, co-chair of the corporate division at the law firm Fox Rothschild LLP in Philadelphia, starts with this: do not sign the back of the ticket until you fully understand whether your information or that of the signer will be made public or not.
Santana said it’s best not to tell anyone about the winnings “except for an attorney specifically hired to assist in claiming the prize,” along with “people with whom you purchased the ticket, if yes.”
He says it’s best to stick to your routine and work with an attorney to maintain your identity if necessary or until you’re ready to receive media attention and questions about the settlement. reward.
Those who think they may have a gambling problem are encouraged to call 1-800-522-4700/view National Council on Gamblingwhere state-by-state help can be found.
