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  3. Journal of Economic Perspectives
  4. Fall 1990
  5. On the Economics of State Lotteries

Journal of Economic Perspectives

ISSN 0895-3309 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7965 (Online)

On the Economics of State Lotteries

  • Charles T. Clotfelter
  • Philip J. Cook
Journal of Economic Perspectives
vol. 4, no. 4, Fall 1990
(pp. 105–119)
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Abstract

This article examines several aspects of the economics of state lotteries, focusing primarily on the demand for lottery products. We begin by giving a descriptive overview. The succeeding sections examine the motivations for playing lottery games and evidence on the determinants of lottery demand. The final section considers the welfare economics of the apparent objective of lotteries—to maximize profits for the state.

Citation

Clotfelter, Charles T., and Philip J. Cook. 1990. "On the Economics of State Lotteries." Journal of Economic Perspectives 4 (4): 105–119. DOI: 10.1257/jep.4.4.105