Lottery is a popular way for states to raise funds for everything from bridge repairs to public art. While critics of the practice say it encourages gambling addiction and undercuts the poor, many players genuinely enjoy playing and believe that someone, sometime, will win a large prize. And despite the fact that odds are low, it’s not impossible to find the right numbers and win the lottery.

Lotteries are very different from other forms of gambling because they are run as businesses whose primary objective is maximizing revenue. As a result, they must rely on marketing to attract people to spend money on tickets. And while most state lotteries are carefully regulated to prevent abuses, their promotional strategies may have unintended consequences for the poor and problem gamblers.

Despite the obvious flaws of these systems, some people are persistent enough to invest tens of thousands of dollars in a lottery. These people are often referred to as “the people who play the lottery.” While some of these individuals have quotes-unquote systems that are not backed up by statistical reasoning (and include ideas like choosing certain stores or times to buy their tickets), most know they’re taking a big risk and that they’re probably not going to win.

But they still play, and they continue to spend $50 or $100 a week. I’ve talked to a lot of these people, and their behavior surprises me. They go in clear-eyed about the odds and they’re irrational, but they’ve come to this logical conclusion: that somehow, someday, it’s going to be their turn.