Americans spend more on scratch lottery tickets per year than on pizza or Coca-Cola products. The popularity of scratch lotteries has grown rapidly in the past fifty years, starting in Massachusetts, where adults spend an average of $1,037 per year on lottery tickets, mostly scratch tickets.
Key Points
Scratch lottery tickets have become a popular consumer item in the past fifty years
The concept of instant lottery tickets was initially met with skepticism and fear
Massachusetts played a significant role in popularizing scratch-off lottery tickets
Adults in Massachusetts spend an average of $1,037 per year on lottery tickets
Pros
Provides entertainment and excitement for players
Generates revenue for states where lotteries are legal