[PhantomGremlin]

the lottery is little more an government-sponsored exploration of the economically disadvantaged

You probably meant "exploitation" rather than "exploration".

I've heard it phrased a little differently: The lottery is a voluntary tax on the stupid.

A slightly different phrasing: The lottery is a voluntary tax on the innumerate.

BTW I did purchase two Powerball tickets a few hours ago. Wish me luck!