This is why probability needs to be taught, and taught properly. This line of logic clearly demonstrates the problem.

• Your expected return from not playing a $5 ticket is exactly $0.00.

• Your expected return from playing a $5 ticket is approximately $-4.99

“Gaining Zero” is vastly preferable to “Losing Five”.

If you can occasionally afford a $5 ticket, you can occasionally afford to buy shares of an index fund. You’re still gambling, but your expected return is positive.