May 31, 2019
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Lotteries operate in most states, and the games can be crazy popular — particularly when there's a monster Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Using Census data, MoneyWise.com has calculated that the average U.S. adult spends about $313 a year on lottery tickets. But in some states people tend to spend two or even three times that amount. Is that a wise use of money?
In fact, MoneyWise also determined how the typical person's lottery money could grow if invested in stocks instead.
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Do you live in one of the states where people pour the most money into lottery tickets? Find out now!
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Doug Whiteman was formerly the editor-in-chief of MoneyWise. He has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and CNBC.com and has been interviewed on Fox Business, CBS Radio and the syndicated TV show "First Business."
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