[Semaphor]

Sounds wrong, that would essentially be saying one should play the cheapest level of all lotteries.

[mellavora]

naw, it is probably based on the assumption that the payout can be life-changing big.

risking pocket change to win big is quasi-reasonable, even though it is a loosing bet. Because you don't notice the downside/drawdowns.

risking more than pocket change is not reasonable, because it is a loosing bet.

NB: I don't play the lottery.

[lupire]

Similarly, you should make small high-upside bets bets like "strike up a chat with a as stranger"