Lotteries such as Powerball MN, Mega Million CA, and the Florida State Lottery help out the communities they are a part of in major ways.

In Minnesota, the Powerball MN revenue contributes to the state's general fund that funds state services such as education, the game and fish fund that funds the improvement, enhancement, and protection of fish and wildlife resources, and the natural resource fund that funds parks and trails in the state and twin cities metropolitan area. For the economy, the Powerball MN lottery also increases small businesses' revenue and earnings. For instance, businesses in Minnesota can earn a percentage off of every ticket sold and the winning values of tickets sold while participating in other incentives introduced throughout the year. For local businesses, this brings in an extra $30 million a year in revenue.

In California, the Mega Million CA revenue is used as a supplemental source of funding for the state's education budget. In fact, over the past 27 years, Mega Million CA has contributed an average of $925 million annually to kindergarten through twelfth grade schools, community colleges, the California State University system, the University of California, and other educational entities. Since, California law prohibits lottery revenue from being used for property acquisitions, constructing new facilities, or research funding, California schools and teaching administrators use the Mega Million CA revenue for new technology, teacher training and development, science immersion, and programs for arts and music.

Similar to the Mega Million CA lottery revenue, the Florida State lottery revenue contributes to an Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. However, in Florida, the major difference from California is that funds from the Florida State lottery revenue are permitted to be used for building construction. In fact, out of the $1.37 billion in allocated Florida State lottery revenue, 23% funded school construction bonds.

In summary, Powerball MN, Mega Million CA, and the Florida State Lottery all affect the state, its' people, and their communities in a major way. Revenue from these three lotteries shapes our communities, economies, and future leaders. These three states are not anomalies, but rather a clear depiction of what state governments all over the country can do, and are doing, to help out budgets and increase the human capital in the state's borders.

On a sad note though, some states (not FL, CA, or MN) are trying to privatize lotteries; and as a result, eliminate the revenues earned by the state government. The losses in supplemental funding to programs like education are not only detrimental to state budgets but to students as well. Some individuals believe that this is the wrong way to go and have voiced major concern over lottery privatization proposals. Ironically, the best argument against such privatization actually comes from a state not considering privatizing the lottery. 'Without our lottery money we would definitely not have nearly as many [study materials]'we would not be able to give the full, rich experience to our kids that we do today' – David Hunt, High School Principal, Natomas Pacific Preparatory in California. (Source: http://www.calottery.com)

In short, no matter where you live, you should research the advantages and benefits provided to your state by lottery revenue. In addition, be aware of moves to take away the benefit for all state citizens to line the pockets of a few business men. If the Powerball MN, Mega Million CA, and the Florida State Lottery could talk; they would say that they can help ALL of us and that we should fight to keep them under government control. If you agree with this premise, turn to Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites to voice your opinion about your state's handling of the lottery revenue.