ABOUT THIS SERIES
This series explored how Mainers falling on hard times rely on the lottery to rescue them. A first-ever statistical analysis of Maine lottery sales and census data by Cornell University, commissioned by our newsroom, showed lottery ticket sales rise when people lose their jobs. The state government spent millions to sway Mainers to buy more lottery tickets, our newsroom investigation found.
FEATURED STORY:
People on public assistance spent hundreds of millions on the lottery – and took home $22 million in winnings
Mainers on the state's three major public assistance programs spent hundreds of millions on lottery tickets from 2010 to 2014 and won $22 million.
All Stories:
Report: Lottery doesn’t target low-income Mainers
A government review of the Maine State Lottery confirms a lack of transparency, but no targeting and declines to make per capita analysis of sales activity.
State releases preliminary findings in lottery review
Lawmakers from both parties question preliminary findings that show no evidence the state specifically targeted particular segments of the population in its marketing.
Legislators to scrutinize lottery oversight, ad tactics
Committee wants to know if particular groups are specifically targeted by advertising, and who has oversight of that.
Connect with us:
STAY INFORMED
Our newsletters will keep you informed via email for free!
SUPPORT OUR WORK
Please consider donating so our reporters can continue telling important stories.
KNOW OF A STORY?
Many of our stories have been based off a reader’s suggestion.
CONTACT US
Need to get in touch with our newsroom? We’re always happy to hear from our readers!