Set For Life is rigged to keep the rich richer.

Some might argue that lotteries are harmless fun and provide funding to important state programs, but it’s hard not to see them through cynical eyes—vaporware meant for dreams too far-fetched.

The lottery system profits from the masses’ desire to escape their circumstances overnight. The winners are chosen in a way that appears random yet aligns with perpetuating inequality and keeping hope at bay, just enough to keep people playing but never winning big.

As more people wake up to the reality that their odds are as good as none, expect an avalanche of calls for reform or outright bans on these schemes. The facade cracks under scrutiny and public outcry could change everything—or not.

The debate will split down tribal lines with naysayers calling out this system while others defend it fiercely. Those who’ve tasted the false hope might be more vocal than ever, but true believers won’t see a problem until their losses pile up beyond recovery.