- And I don't play the lottery. While I don't judge others for gambling ( most everyone has his or her vices and/or diversions ), I for one don't gamble. OK, you'll catch me buying a scratch off maybe twice a year, when I've received birthday money for example. And naturally, it's rare that I win. And when I have won, it's never been for more than $20.00. That's all fine and well. It's no big deal, but for the fact that I don't like it. I'm a very passionate and engaged human being, so it's in my nature to 'go there' quickly and with an almost-pre-conceived notion that, 'I'm gonna win.' If I'm scratching off for a potential $20,000 grand prize, try as I may to reel myself in, I'm seeing myself winning that $20,000 prize as I scratch away ~not the $20 one. Then the let down is so... disappointing . It's so icky to feel like you've lost, when you've invested time,