47 Inventions That Sounded Bonkers at First But Turned Out to Be a Huge Success

Lotteries… A scam or a brilliant business model? The question continues today, even as we are all tempted to gamble away for the small chance we get to be the winners. On paper, the concept seems outlandish: people collectively pool their money, half of which enriches the organizer, while a lucky individual walks away with a life-changing sum.

Yet, the allure of “what if” keeps us queuing at the convenience store. It’s a modern-day gold rush fueled by dreams and dollar signs. Critics call it a tax on hope, while optimists see it as a shortcut to the American dream. Either way, lotteries have carved out their niche, gambling away when hope is what we’re really buying.