Nah, you're better off with the lottery than with Mr Obvious Scam.  At least then when you probably lose, you'll be supporting good causes.  Lottery proceeds in the state I live in go to support things like schools, which I feel to be social goods.  That's why I didn't feel like I was *truly* throwing away my money when I played the lottery several years ago.  I knew I likely wasn't going to win, but considered it a small donation to improving the schools where I live.