Now that we’re done talking about casinos, why not take a good look at the deceptive Maine State Lottery, which holds out an opportunity for big bucks.

Suckers all over the state pour money into this scheme, and the ads say, “just imagine.” Once you have “invested” your good money in vain, you’ll probably keep trying, hoping to recoup the losses. Will you beat the odds? Very unlikely. It’s money thrown away.

This is a profitable game for the state. It’s like collecting a tax on people who like to gamble. So, what is the state doing with all this cash? Paying the bills, we hope.

Then, why are we asked, year after year, to OK bonds in very large amounts for various “necessary” projects. These bonds represent borrowed money, to be repaid with interest. These projects are supposed to be paid out of the state budget, with rare exceptions. Why is the state spending more than it takes in?

Guy Campbell, Norway