This first comprehensive history of America's lottery obsession explores the spread of state lotteries and how players and policymakers alike got hooked on wishful dreams of an elusive jackpot. Every week, one in eight Americans place a bet on the dream of a life-changing lottery jackpot. Americans spend more on lottery tickets annually than on video streaming services, concert tickets, books, and movie tickets combined. The story of lotteries in the United States may seem straightforward: tickets are bought predominately by poor people driven by the wishful belief that they will overcome infinitesimal odds and secure lives of luxury. The reality is more complicated. For a Dollar and a Dream shows how, in an era of surging inequality and stagnant upward mobility, millions of Americans turned to the lottery as their only chance at achieving the American Dream. Gamblers were not the only ones who bet on betting. As voters revolted against higher taxes in the late twentieth century, states saw legalized gambling as a panacea, a way of generating a new source of revenue without cutting public services or raising taxes. Even as evidence emerged that lotteries only provided a small percentage of state revenue, and even as data mounted about their appeal to the poor, states kept passing them and kept adding new games, desperate for their longshot gamble to pay off. Alongside stories of lottery winners and losers, Jonathan Cohen shows how gamblers have used prayer to help them win a jackpot, how states tried to pay for schools with scratch-off tickets, and how lottery advertising has targeted lower income and nonwhite communities. For a Dollar and a Dream charts the untold history of the nation's lottery system, revealing how players and policymakers alike got hooked on hopes for a gambling windfall.

Features three stories about people whose lives are forever changed after winning the lottery.

"Eight Dollars and a Dream tells of a remarkable personal and professional journey by one of America's premier CEOs and corporate directors. Raj Gupta, working with Syd Havely, offers a candid and captivating story, told with passion and special appreciation for how family, mentors and other leaders transformed him and how he in turn changed his world, a compelling account for all who are navigating a corner office, a boardroom, or their life course. " - Michael Useem, Professor and Director of the Leadership Center, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania "Raj's story is the American dream writ large with a focus on what is really important in life. I have had the privilege of working with Raj for many years and have seen his qualities as a business leader firsthand. But I have benefitted even more by watching his example of how to lead one's life with dignity, integrity, and grace. This is a book that needs to be read!" - Bill McNabb, Chairman and CEO, The Vanguard Group, Inc.

Four Dollars and a Dream is the amazing true story of Cino Chegia, an Italian man who saw his home torn apart in World War II, jumped ship in America at age 18, and went on to become a successful business owner, family man, and pillar of the community. A rags-to-riches tale that wends its way through the pivotal moments of the 20th century, Four Dollars and a Dream reminds us of the strength of the human spirit, the gift of laughter, and the infinite power of family.

Kass budgets her money carefully and expects her brother Joey to do the same. But Joey spends every dollar he earns. When he realizes he hasn't saved enough money to pay for something he's been dreaming about, Joey must either learn to budget or risk giving up his dream. A Boy, A Budget, and a Dream helps teach financial literacy and money management to children ages 4-8 in a fun and easy to comprehend way! Grab yours today and encourage the children in your life to start budgeting for their dreams! Follow Jasmine on Instagram @jasminelikepaul or visit www.createfinstew.com for more financial literacy resources. Here's what others have said about A Boy, A Budget, and a Dream: ★★★★★ - My children loved learning how the children saved and budgeted their allowances to buy what they wanted. It also shows children how to prioritize their spending habits. A big win! This topic is an important lesson for children to learn at an early age. Making great financial decisions at a tender age will allow them better choices as they mature and get older. Highly recommend!

A walk through a young African American entrepreneur who relates and tackles todays social problems. Documented regrets and reflections of a far from normal childhood experience mixed with modern day views on being bullied, self-consciousness and the popular insert: What's Love.

A million dollar boy with a billion dollar dream is about a young man growing up in the streets of Springfield Massachusetts in the early nineties . Presley Williams learns the game from a o.g in his hood and takes the game to another level. with each million made the enemies get more intense and the connects more dangerous.