This is not surprising. Although gambling can be a harmless indulgence for some, it does have a corrosive influence, especially on the poorest and less educated section of the population. These are the ones that spend the most, both relatively and absolutely, on lottery tickets. Any basic service provider will tell you that business shrivels when the prize of the Super Five Lottery hits six figures as people forego even basic necessities.

It is a vicious circle. Those who least can afford it are the ones who get hooked most easily. Those who feel there's no way to improve their meager financial status, or escape their predicament through their own efforts, are the ones who are most inclined to resort to gambling.