The "all lottery winners end up broke" meme is just that, a meme. Likewise, the idea that the lottery is a tax on those who are stupid or in poverty is a meme. There's lots of people who participate in (and win) lotteries who are living very comfortable lives, certainly not in poverty. Yes, many people who end up with money will go on to lose it (whether inherited or from a lottery or a lawsuit or some other means) but that's not unique to those in poverty. As I said, generational wealth is the perfect example of this: many rich and successful families will lose their wealth within a few generations. Losing money is an activity enjoyed by rich and poor alike.