18 On Gambling

And a young bookie said, Speak to us of gambling.
And he answered.

The lottery is good, for it pays for hospitals and schools and public washrooms. And bingo is good, for even political parties must needs be supported.

But what is a lottery ticket, but a passport to a dream? And whither would the dreamer escape?

For if he can afford to pay for the ticket, then he is not in need. And if he be in need, then he would be more prudent to save his money and to search the gutters for a discarded winner. For the odds of winning are the same, whether you choose to buy a ticket or not.

One final word of caution, dear people of Orphalese. Leave the ostrich races alone. I do not recommend them at all.