"jakdedert" wrote in message
...
Arfa Daily wrote:

Interesting that they have gone over to a computer system from an
electro-mechanical one. I wonder what the theoretical comparisons of
randomness are between them ? It seems to me that a computer generation
system would be a lot easier to fiddle, with very few people needing to
be 'in the know' about it.

I worry about that, but then again, it's not 'my' money. I'm just not a
gambler, despite doing a fair amount of work in some of the largest
casinos in the world over the last three years: three or four weeks in
Vegas, three in Uncasville, CT (Mohegan Sun--second largest casino in the
world, and very few outside of the Northeast US have even heard of it).

As far as governments getting involved, I feel a bit like you on that
score. Here in the UK, a fair amount of the takings are 'given away' to
good causes. There is no requirement of the type or size or whatever of
the organisation. You just make your application stating what the money
is wanted for, and stating your case for applying as best you can, and it
will be looked at and either accepted, and an amount of money allocated
to you, or rejected. Rejection of a specific application, doesn't
preclude trying again, as many times as you like.

In Tennessee, the money is strictly earmarked for college scholarships,
for which qualification is required...both initially and in order to
renew. That was the bargain the voters made with the Devil when they
approved it on a referendum. AIRC, it took an amendment to the state
constitution. FTR, I voted 'nay'. I always saw it as a tax on the poor,
although one they eagerly pay....

jak
Arfa

Interestingly, the phrase "Tax on the poor" is precisely the one that has
been used many times here, too ...

Arfa