
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 29, 1995                   TAG: 9511290056
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

LOTTO LOSERS

WHO CANNOT fail to feel a vicarious thrill for the Hampton couple who woke up Thanksgiving morning to find they had hit the Lotto jackpot and won $24.9 million? They seem worthy winners, as well as front-page news.

But one fortunate couple is only part of the story. Another part is obvious but too rarely noted. Their big win means that throughout Virginia and beyond are Lotto losers who forked out collective millions for nothing more than a 7 million-to-1 chance that their number would come up. Many players try week after week.

What a waste, particularly for those most likely to hang their hopes on such a thin chance, those with little money to begin with. The Lotto may be popular, but as a way to raise government funds, it's a loser.

by CNB