Record Number of Lottery Losers

Governor Rendell issued a news release on the state lottery. Proud of what he calls "a success story of good government and an organization of which all Pennsylvanians can be proud", the Governor notes that more people are playing - and losing - the lottery than ever before. The state takes in about $1 billion in lottery losings (or a 32% tax on lottery sales, depending on how you want to look at it).

To sum up the news release: "The continued growth of the Lottery is particularly gratifying." More gambling losers and more money for big government, quite an accomplishment indeed.