There is no denying the fact that buying lottery tickets is a hotly debated topic in China today. There is no denying the fact that buying lottery tickets is becoming popular in China today. Some people believe that it is beneficial in many ways. In the first place, it helps raise money for such groups as the poor and the disabled as well as for such causes as sports. (Thus, the heavy financial burden on the government will be relieved or even removed.) In the second place, lottery games provide people with a means of entertainment or pastime. (Without lottery games, many people might find nothing interesting to do. Last but not least, by buying lottery tickets, one may make a fortune overnight.)

　　Others, however, hold the opposite view. They say that buying lottery tickets is actually a kind of gambling. People are encouraged to earn money through guessing instead of down-to-earth labor. As a result, some people are tempted to commit crimes. A case in point is the two bank clerks in Heibei who stole millions of money from the bank to buy lottery tickets.

　　Weighing the arguments of both sides, I am inclined to agree with the former. Lottery games can serve as a good means to raise funds. But the ticket buyers should keep in mind the original purpose of such games, that is, to help the underprivileged or to contribute to public welfare. If they happen to win the prizes, it’s nothing but a return for their kindness.

　　(Personally, I think that both sides have something right. Actually, lottery games should be viewed as a two-edged sword, which presents us with both benefits and troubles. But we should not give up eating for fear of choking. The best policy, as I see it, is to maximize their advantages and eliminate their unhealthy side-effects. Or in other words, we should further develop lottery games and exert proper supervision over them so that they can benefit us in a better way.)