No one is forcing the poor trailer park guy to spend his money on the lottery. It's all about personal choice. He's not being "taxed" he's choosing how to spend his money. If I were him, it would be going to better my childrens life. If he wants to spend it on a dream, then he only has himself and his family to answer to (or the public if he's using welfare dollars for it.)
As for myself, I have a extra dollar to spend on a dream AFTER I take care of all my responsibilities and ensure a good future for my wife and children (when I have kids that is.)
You might say it's stupid and that's fine for you, but I know where to find at least 8 people who would say otherwise.