The Poverty Tax: State Lotteries | deep dive$

play the lotto, and you too can become the first Black female President of the United States.
/ camjames
/ cjw.mp4
/ camjames_irl
join the squad to get your name in the credits + bonus content:
/ @camjames
___
2nd Unit Director: Devin M. Young
official deep dive$ theme: / antman_music
additional music: / nudealmusic
Songs/Beats (Official Spotify Playlist): open.spotify.com/playlist/3Ti...
1. Larry June - Lifetime Income
2. VanJess - Addicted
3. Cam James - Nightstand
4. 6LACK - PRBLMS
5. Kari Faux - Me First (Instr.)
6. JoélGotNow - Run Away
7. Bryson Tiller - I’m Ready For You (Instr.)
___
Chapters
0:06 Intro
3:09 Lifetime Income?
6:15 Addicted
7:43 What’s Astroturfing?
9:10 They Do Good Things
10:21 Problems
11:16 The Wealth Transfer
14:42 HOPE Scholarship
18:01 Run Away
___
Sources
1. NPR Lottery Money State by State: www.npr.org/2023/01/12/114816...
2. CNBC Mega Millions Jackpot, How It Helps The Government: www.cnbc.com/2023/08/03/mega-...
3. WBUR The Real Winners and Losers in America’s Lottery Obsession: www.wbur.org/onpoint/2023/07/...
4. Howard Center for Investigative Journalism, “State Lotteries Transfer Wealth Out of Needy Communities”: cnsmaryland.org/2022/07/01/st...
5. Edwin Castro’s Financial Mistakes, Yahoo Finance: finance.yahoo.com/news/4-terr...
6. Mega Millions Jackpot Breakdown: www.megamillions.com/How-to-P...
7. Texas Lottery $20 Million Supreme: kixs.com/texas-lottery-introd...
8. Scientific Games Website: www.scientificgames.com/contact/
9. GBPI: HOPE Scholarship Displays Inequalities: gbpi.org/moving-hope-forward-...
10. Inside Higher Ed, “The Dark Side of Lottery-Funded Scholarships”: www.insidehighered.com/news/2...
11. Arkansas Times, “New Lottery Scholarship Rules”: arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/20...
12. Urban Institute, “Overview of GA’s state and local expenditure”: www.urban.org/policy-centers/...

[@CamJames]

Use this as a "i've spent way too much money on lotteries" button. Join The Squad to get your name in the credits and see these early: kzbin.info/door/YUIRADK9CuJU92EAp2CNPAjoin

[@Sampsonoff]

Joined

[@brandondyer9938]

I won 1 grand back in 2010. Taxes took $100. Leaves me with 900.00

[@Sampsonoff]

@@brandondyer9938how much did you spend on tickets

[@brandondyer9938]

It was $1.00 scratch off. And also it was literally the last scratch off they had convince store.

[@Sampsonoff]

@@brandondyer9938 I mean how much have you spent in your life on tickets

[@0lionheart]

"The amount of money you make shouldn't dictate whether you get to live or not" is a powerful line

[@CamJames]

came from the heart

[@resmarted]

The amount of resources you have under your control always has and always will dictate whether you live or not. This is the reality of existence.

[@Facistznik]

​@@resmartedhe said "shouldn't" not "doesn't"

[@rogergeyer9851]

True. OTOH, sitting on your ass and claiming you're helpless doesn't mean you should be given endless money taken by people who work hard for a living. There needs to be some sort of middle ground, which extremists from BOTH sides are BAD at admitting, much less compromising on, re policies.

[@CamJames]

We've definitely reached "there's too many comments to respond to efficiently", and that's a beautiful thing. I'll still try my best y'all, thank you for being here!

[@FBi_.]

You should keep doing this type of content that one about payday loans was well articulated iv’e been talking about this for a good minute we need more people in low income areas to be more interested in finance because too many people target these areas do to poverty, necessity, and financial illiteracy

[@CamJames]

@@FBi_. i absolutely agree, we need more education that appeals to people and meets them where they are. that's the mission.

[@sunnohh]

Damn, been watching a few of your videos over the weeks and only just realized you don’t have a billion subs, subbed!

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

Blessings on it! That's legit.

[@CamJames]

yeah this traffic just started happening in December with episode one lol@@sunnohh

[@TwoTreesStudio]

They're not expecting to win, they're addicted to short bursts of not feeling like life is completely hopeless.

[@gilbertgonzales3368]

Well said

[@mrsrussell]

I almost cried

[@CallMeNumber8]

The world is so rigged against real human beings who are not born into the rich families. As simple as that. It's not a fair life. Lucky bastards got a head start and we have to eat their dust and crumbs. And the sad part is that they will always win and we will always lose. And we all know it deep inside. I hope the world becomes fair one day in the future. Not a very realistic hope at the moment to be honest. Imagine if all jobs had the same salary. All jobs. What would you do for a living then? This is how the world can change one day and become fair. I know. Most of you have belief systems which say that we can't have the same salaries. How can a cleaner make the same money as a businessman? True, cleaner should get more!

[@jpcoleman3408]

Definitely the truth!

[@TheRealCatof]

The best part is, if they saved that money instead of wasting it, they would eventually come out of poverty.

[@HenryBloggit]

When I was a child and my grandparents died and we cleaned out their house, we found boxes and boxes and drawers and drawers full of nothing but old, losing lottery tickets. The pick-6-numbers kind. It was unreal seeing them all stacked up like that. It really stuck with me just how many tickets you can buy-massive numbers of tickets for years and years-and never win. I’ll also never forget my parents telling me that every row of numbers on those tickets cost my grandparents $1, and that they would have rather been left drawers and boxes full of dollar bills than worthless pieces of paper.

[@CamJames]

that's sobering, wow.

[@ViraL_FootprinT.ex.e]

Goodness gracious, that last part hit hard. Thanks for sharing, because that sure adds some much needed perspective.

[@antwangordon6918]

I have 2 whole drawers full of loser Florida scratch off lottery tickets from 2019 to current day. From $1 tickets to $50. Literally hundreds of them. My mom has a huge chest full of losing tickets as well. Not just scratch offs, but state lottery too. One of my childhood friends, a fews years ago, won $10,000 twice in the span of 2 weeks on two $20 scratch offs. I congratulated him and told him how lucky he was. He told me that he didn’t feel that way because he spent $30,000 on tickets that year so far. Then continued to explain to me how he was still like $7,500 in the hole 🤦🏿‍♂️.

[@miaomiaou_]

@@antwangordon6918 both of these stories are so disheartening :(

[@SangaWaldron]

I’m not so sure. You would rather them leave you boxes of dollar bills. Think about what you’re saying, you have your own life, they had theirs and played their game. It doesn’t sound like they were abusive to your parents, doesn’t sound like they lost the house, they left you guys something. Sounds like they lived their lives and they tried hard to leave you guys more, it didn’t work out, but a lot of things didn’t work out and not everything was going to work out no matter what. Wish I was smarter so I could agree with you. By the way the tickets they won they turned them in for the payout so they wouldn’t be sitting in a box.

[@viralarchitect]

My first thought is the lottery is a really dystopian thing. "We know that we oppress you into abject poverty, but if you give us some of your spare change, one of you might get lucky and be sent sailing so far out of poverty that you'll probably be killed by a friend or family member over it"

[@CamJames]

it's the Hunger Games. not even a stretch to call it that tbh

[@kmori9508]

except now it's not just spare change. it's a whole damn meal and then some.

[@Cbd_7ohm]

​@@kmori9508😮😢 spare a kidney good sir? Please???

[@samuellanghus1455]

If even the eponymous 1984 dystopia had the lottery process still in place in that environment, it’s pretty hard to argue otherwise. Especially with the way it was explained…

[@eligiobudde]

WHOA whoa whoa there, friend $40 isn't spare change

[@shellcode]

I knew a guy that won $10k from a lottery ticket, asked him what he did with it and he said he bought more tickets. It’s insane. Thank you for making this content! big fan 🎉

[@CamJames]

that's so sad. proves the point more than anything else really. thank you for the support!

[@brandonmeens]

Not even close, but a buddy won $50 of a $1 ticket, bought another, won $100, and then lost it all buying more. Again, not evennnnnn close but damn is it sad

[@Threeohtoo]

My mom does that (albeit on a smaller scale) and it's infuriating for me every time, it's such a strange thing how people rationalize behavior like this or don't realize when an addiction is taking root.

[@lkeke35]

Yeah, it doesn't seem to some people like its a lot of money to spend when they do it a dribble at a time like twenty dollars here and five dollars there, but I also knew people who spent three to five hundred a month.

[@draneym2003]

What I don't get is after several months of pissing away money and winning nothing you'd think eventually people would figure out they're in the red.

[@intoodeep001]

I had a college professor who put it this way, he said "the lottery is a tax on people who can't do math".

[@timothythompson4036]

I live in NYC and I can tell you the lottery is a tax on the poor. You see huge billboards in the Bronx advertising the Mega millions. It is obscene!!

[@CamJames]

yep, they know their target market

[@Pellbort]

Not a tax on the poor. It's a tax on people with no understanding of math/statistics and no financial literacy, people who for those reasons often end up poor. Calling it a "tax on the poor" is fundamentally ignoring the root cause in favor of an appeal to sympathy.

[@timothythompson4036]

@@Pellbort Pelbort, who are people lacking financial literacy! Poor people.

[@Noobslayar]

@@PellbortIt’s the other way around, man

[@amberlopez7477]

Maybe it's time to take responsibility for their own actions. Always blaming others for their inability of self control. Same goes for crime. Low impluse control in blk communites. That's why crime is so high in those neighborhoods.

[@davidlyons279]

It's so crazy to me how lotteries have only even been legal for 60 years but people act like they're integral to funding state governments, but raising taxes on the wealthy is ridiculous compared to siphoning money indirectly from poor communities through a corporate system designed to target the vulnerable.

[@CamJames]

very very well said man. any time someone brings up taxing the wealthy it immediately gets shut down.

[@BTrain-is8ch]

@@CamJames Money is mobile. Tax people against their will and eventually they pack up and take their money elsewhere. When you rely on 20-25% of the population to fund your government and you don't have the luxury of printing money like the federal government you end up vulnerable to the actions of those same people since even small changes in their behavior (e.g. moving) can make or break your budget. People have forgotten that taxation shouldn't be punitive. It's not a weapon. If you can't convince people to WANT to pay it's all unsustainable.

[@oscara8454]

​​@@BTrain-is8chit was so much easier to make people pay taxes back then. Either pay your taxes or the king will withdraw his guards and have fun dealing with those bandit. Now rich people sauntering around like they own the place. By all means they can go wherever they like. There is no guarantee that their money will protect them from the political corruption or civil unrest of their potential new home.

[@ceninant]

​@@BTrain-is8chTaxation is SUPPOSED to be punitive. The idea is to have an extremely high tax rate, and then give "deductions" for putting that back into the economy/company.

[@Heyu7her3]

Well a lot of those communities actually would like to be viewed as "agential" not "targeted"...as taking advantage of a given situation 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@CamJames]

yes, i did indeed notice the Scientific Games CFO's name is Nicholas Negro. yes, it's hilarious. yes, it was a missed opportunity. i am sorry.

[@CamJames]

Join The Squad to get your name in the credits and see these early: kzbin.info/door/YUIRADK9CuJU92EAp2CNPAjoin

[@lizzyblitz07]

A HUGE note: there's evidence these programs don't increase educational spending at all. Lawmakers take the $ that was going to these causes before the lotto and move it to fund something else. So, the amount being spent barely changes. Now it's just funded by victims. That makes it all even worse

[@jimmy13morrison]

I use to work ina small grocery store where we were selling lottery and their was a woman who bought 70$ every week and another 80$ every other week . Ive never saw her win a single penny

[@CamJames]

smh

[@nefrusebek]

In my opinion; if a country encourages gambling among its citizens, it’s by default intentional corrupting its own citizens, thereby weakening its own self. The people that has allowed and encouraged this behavior has not only encouraged gambling, but has also encouraged other negative behavior that goes with it.

[@Swancorner]

I'm gonna send this to my mom. She's been addicted to lottery as a way out of poverty for as long as I can remember. I've tried to explain how slim the chances of winning are but never been able to articulate the numbers and how the lottery preys on low income customers. Thanks, man 🙏🏻

[@CamJames]

there's no better gift than to genuinely be able to help someone through my work, so thank YOU

[@Devinn504]

All the money she’s wasted on lottery tickets could’ve been put into any s&p 500 index and she could’ve made realistic returns on her investment!

[@vonauda]

Best of luck. I wasn't able to get this point across to my mom. If I could go back I would come up with a game or something where she buy from me instead and I randomly payout the money she spent just to help her out of that system.

[@CamJames]

interesting idea tbh

[@james_chatman]

@@vonauda That's how addiction works.

[@hiroprotagonist6563]

My mom would call lotteries "expensive dreaming", and that's always kind of colored my perception of them. For so many people, it is the only way they think they can escape their lives, and we've found a way to make them pay for the 'privilege' to dream of having a lot of money. I agree with pretty much everything you said. They seem voluntary, they seem like just a fun way to imagine yourself being rich, but that's only because people don't understand just how nefarious these companies are, and how laser focused they can be on vulnerable communities.

[@CamJames]

exactly, we see it as innocent fun but this is a literal global conspiracy.

[@OzzlyOsborne]

Well I suppose that's kinder than calling them the "idiot tax"

[@lkeke35]

Agreed!

[@alpacaofthemountain8760]

More like desperation

[@SpySappingMyKeyboard]

Two other aspects: The things they are funding are often things that the government would be funding anyway. Even if the lottery money goes towards these good causes, doesn't mean that removing the lottery means that those things would be cut. People who win big often don't have that great time of it.

[@xaviar10]

I wonder if they oush that association as a background threat like "gotta keep the lottery running or we might have to defund education. You wouldnt want that to happen right?"

[@Shannon_Gaines]

“ the government fulfills all of its spending and budgetary promises. Completely, and totally trust the government in budgetary means.” Regard alert 🚨

[@alpacaofthemountain8760]

And you trust companies over the government?

[@parkyercarcass]

i think the thing that hit me the most out of this video is how rare empathy like you're displaying here is; i know people who could watch this entire video and still walk away refusing to see gambling addiction and playing the lottery as anything other than a moral failing. i was born and raised in one of the poorest cities in the country, and you couldn't go 2 blocks without seeing ads for gambling, ticket machines, etc. it's pervasive. how can you expect people to avoid what they are being marketed? some, sure. i managed to avoid it; but it's impossible to 'personal responsibility' a community out of being targeted. i was recommended and had opened your FUBU MLMs video about a week ago but forgot about the tab or something, but now im rly excited to dig into your past work and see what you've got coming next. great work.

[@CamJames]

you definitely get what i was going for. it's so much more complex than "they're stupid". thanks for watching and receiving the message

[@ngolomaz]

The IRS is the only winner. Another great vid. Thank you man.

[@CamJames]

thank you for being here

[@jameslarson4115]

As a guy that was raised on probability and stats, it goes to what my math teacher said: "You go into a casino...you pull on one of the slot games. If you don't win, walk away."

[@Sampsonoff]

My math professor said: gambling is a tax on people who can’t do math

[@CamJames]

smart teacher. I'd counter with "you go into a casino...ask yourself why you did that"

[@thesaurusrext]

ive been a retail cashier at gas stations (ontario lotto is run thru gas stations a lot) and i have been a payday loans worker. In both cases the entire time i knew i was harming my community. When i worked at the payday loans place i was also using the loans place across the street, an they were coming to us. Our manager was taking payday loans to get thru. Everyone was using. At the gas station jobs i would have regulars who sat there for hours scratching tickets an eating up my smoke break time having me check them. It was like seeing human dignity stripped in front of me.

[@CJ-hw6br]

I lived in California when the lottery was implemented there in the 1980s. I was still a teenager, but I remember that my parents were opposed to it. They said it was a tax on the poor. (You have explained that concept perfectly in this video!) I hated the flood of advertising that followed - ugly billboards, TV commercials, posters on gas station windows. Later, in 1990s Alabama, I cast my vote against the lottery referendum. Looks like it is up for a vote again.

[@CamJames]

it'll keep coming back as long as capitalism is a thing, there's way too much cash at stake

[@bokesnmokes]

I was stationed in San Diego when the California Lottery came in. I never played it once.

[@AwfulWaffle8474]

Dude, the way you mix a serious topic with the humor is perfect and keeps me engaged. Keep making more because you're funny AF and you talk about things that get passed over and need to be addressed

[@CamJames]

man this feedback is top-notch, that's exactly what i'm trying to do as I spend days on the edit. it's motivation

[@annieothername]

"it's not the people in these communities' responsibility to dig their way out of being targeted intentionally[...]" is the most clear, concise just chef's kiss of a statement. I'm seeing the view count jump live for a reason, you're great at this, fr

[@CamJames]

thank you stephanie, i put effort into being concise and clear so that helps tremendously

[@alexforce9]

They are targeted coz they are most likely to buy the tickets. Its literally in the name - targeted marketing. You dont go marketing the latest Iphone to the amish community. You target it to the kids who think that owning an android is a shameful thing.

[@annieothername]

@@alexforce9 Okay. Did you watch the video in full?

[@alexforce9]

@@annieothername I have no pity for people who think that spending 40 dollars for a lottery ticket is a good investment but dont have 68 dollars for an SAT test for their kid.

[@CamJames]

@@annieothername no, based on his other comment he absolutely did not. i have no problem being challenged on my points, but i do take issue with people not watching before doing so.

[@jsfaulkner]

Former financial advisor, this is awesome. Funnily enough, the example you gave at the end is a unique circumstance where it makes sense to play the lottery. The "expected value" of the lottery ticket is higher than the price to purchase it. If there's ever a time to purchase a lottery ticket, the time is then, each ticket you buy is theoretically worth more than the cost.

[@CamJames]

ya know, you make a solid point here. that being said, my argument is that there is no right time lol

[@thefishlg]

Don’t usually click on random algorithm suggestions, but so glad I did today. Beautiful video, subbed!

[@CamJames]

the gladness is mutual! thanks man

[@goryirl]

So many U.S. history teachers i’ve had, SO MANY, actively teach that the U.S. government is actually helping the poor population with the lottery. Every single time i’ve tried to argue with them and I get shut down because i’m a student. Thank you for making this amazing video, I feel a lot better about being that one kid in class who argues with the teacher :) ❤

[@CamJames]

i was that kid in class too. everywhere else too for that matter. you're not alone and those teachers were hilariously wrong.

[@docBZA]

What the hell piss poor teacher would say something like that? Thats disgusting

[@novalith3778]

@@Aaron-rt3zoHats off to that math teacher. Good educators are hard to find these days.

[@JohnScott-JacobiteBee]

Yeah, that's bullshit. History teachers shouldn't be doing that.

[@jared_du_jour]

As a former Scientific Games employee, I can say that this was one of the best pieces I've ever seen on this industry. The only thing I'd add is that lottery retailers also benefit massively from this system, and while some are small businesses, most are chains or franchises that put money in the pockets of wealthy franchise owners and shareholders. They also tend to self-select into offering lottery, so they are a major driving force in targeting certain areas and demographics.

[@CamJames]

that absolutely tracks with the research I did, and i appreciate getting the perspective of an actual SG employee. crazy insight

[@TheBikemaster94]

I applied at that place but nobody called me😢

[@ampersignia]

Is it because the lotto ticket draws a customer in and they might buy something else at the same time?

[@vylbird8014]

@@ampersignia I don't know if it works like that in the US, but it certainly does here in the UK. Our lottery ticket - and so, so many spin-off lotteries - is a feature of many convenience stores. The store doesn't make anything off the tickets, but people buying a ticket often grab some food while they are in there.

[@drwalka10]

@@TheBikemaster94 This video is stupid . Buying a lottery ticket , let alone constantly buying lottery tickets is a … CHOICE Low income folk are CHOOSING to give up their money to attempt to win even more money

[@Robert-fb6fe]

"The ammount of money you make should not dictate weather you get to live or not", this single quote sums up my entire outlook on life

[@CamJames]

same page 🥂

[@carolinecupplesillustration]

As someone from New Hampshire, I didn’t know this is where it started (honestly doesn’t surprise me). I used to work customer service at a grocery store and I would see the same 20-30 customers every day I worked and they were old, sick, and poor. It broke my heart when someone would be scratching, cashing, buying, scratching repeat for hours and they would maybe make like $40 because they’d burn what they won. Very sad and I had to sell it to them

[@evankirk5937]

Hitting the topics other finance KZbinrs haven't covered. Beautiful stuff. Analysis and not anger and clickbait. Keep going!

[@CamJames]

always trying to hit unique angles, thank you for noticing

[@Sir_glizzius]

It's not just the lottery it's a gambling problem in low income or just society in general I used to have a heavy gacha addictions until covid hit lol I was doing i.t work so I had good income but I tallied all my google receipts just to figure out I spent 12k on it a virtual game it's a big problem they make it addictive but super informative video as usual thxs for the content man

[@CamJames]

of course. I focused on gambling addictions at the end, but I never want to focus my videos on the victims in the equation.

[@Sir_glizzius]

@CamJames yeah it's understandable but the lottery is a huge snake in the grass definitely adds up over time I watched my mom buy them all the time before she became a paralegal.

[@CamJames]

happy to hear she reached the other side, we've all had low points

[@lv1543]

Damn i need to make a gacha game

[@lv1543]

@@Sir_glizzius99% of gambling addicts quit before they make it big

[@qetuop163]

Your videos are so high quality, but the information in them, your research, and your no bs, in-depth presentation really elevate them to more or less a public service. I bet youre reaching and helping a lot of people by explaining how dangerous the lottery, payday loans, and sports gambling can be. Good to see someone doing some good out there. Good on ya.

[@CamJames]

thanks for taking the time to watch and give me this feedback, it means a lot.

[@Lxx00Jxx00]

you're very talented, your voice is good, the way, tone and cadence that you talk is stellar and you feel honest and invested about what you're talking

[@CamJames]

aye I'm grateful for the support ☀️

[@DHDover]

This video was a random suggestion on my KZbin homepage and I'm damn glad I watched it. Please keep this up; sharing education and knowledge is the key to change! Well done, sir.

[@CamJames]

for sure, definitely will! thank you 🥂

[@invisiblepinkunicorn7626]

It was in my algorithm as well, I’m glad I watched. It was very informative, and I subscribed as well. Recently I’ve noticed a really big push for sports gambling, and online gambling. That is really disturbing.

[@hereforthememes]

You are a voice we badly needed about topics not covered enough! As a former public school teacher, the ways that lottery money has ruined public education funding has given me plenty of reasons to be anti-lottery, let alone the reasons you covered here. Here for whatever topic you cover next!!

[@hereforthememes]

I can add a downside to the funding - legislatures use it as an excuse to allocate less money to those public needs. Florida is a prime example of a government that’s given less money to public ed because “well the lottery is giving the money so we can redirect it.” Lottery money was supposed to be supplemental, but now it’s become foundational, and that’s problematic.

[@CamJames]

as a former substitute teacher, i salute you and can relate to that frustration

[@drwalka10]

Buying a lottery ticket , let alone constantly buying lottery tickets is a … CHOICE ones isn’t forced to partake in Low income folk are CHOOSING to give up their money to attempt to win even more money.

[@theplanebrain]

More people need to see this. I always see more lottery ads in low income areas. State legislators are complicit. You have a great voice

[@CamJames]

same page, thanks 🎯

[@jidowu6019]

Cam James, I just discovered you roughly 45 minutes ago (2/17 Saturday evening) by chance via YT recommendations/algorithm. I clicked on your video discussing MLMs, specifically as they relate to marketing toward the black community. I listened to that entire video. I was impressed by the quality and depth of your content as well as your delivery. . . . very smooth and transitory with attention-keeping humor. I can tell you're intelligent. I mean, you have to be to have gotten accepted into Georgia Tech. FWIW, I am originally from Atlanta and presently live in Acworth. Keep up the great work. You just gained a new sub. When you hit 6-and 7-figure subs (not if but when; it's only a matter of consistency and time; keep pushing brother), I am going to brag that I am an OG of the Cam James' YT channel and have been here since the "early" days of 30k subs 🤣

[@CamJames]

thank you for this dope feedback, it really helps me as I reset and prepare to launch into a new chapter of this series. my supporters make it all possible and I'll keep improving 🫡

[@bucanonhaley]

Such good editing. Narrating. Comedic timing. I hope the algorithm keeps blessing you because this series is underrated

[@CamJames]

thank you sincerely 🫶🏾

[@sniehaus7834]

Great job again, man! I used to work at a gas station where lotto sales were huge--the amount of poor folks burning their money on dollar scratchcards was absolutely wild. I once sold a guy $800 in tickets in one night, and he won back about $50. It's just sad. I'm glad to see someone talking about this in depth.

[@CamJames]

jesus. that's a horror story man

[@CamJames]

thank you for the compliments 🥂

[@wreckitfelixx]

I just found your channel today and have binge-watched for a little. I don't know you but I'm proud of you and what you're doing. Not only are you educating, but also making it easier for people to have these discussions at every background. I hope more of us find this channel and realize the traps set!

[@CamJames]

thank you for watching my work and for the awesome feedback. I'm trying my best to inform and entertain which isn't always easy, but it's rewarding to see ppl engaged.

[@drwalka10]

Buying a lottery ticket , let alone constantly buying lottery tickets is a … CHOICE ones isn’t forced to partake in Low income folk are CHOOSING to give up their money to attempt to win even more money.

[@GeeNo_]

Appreciate you putting your sources in the description, too many channels cite sources in the video but don't include them anywhere for people to find. Thanks, keep up the great content :D

[@lucifxr13]

dude another insanely well executed video. this changes the way i’ve looked at certain things all my life. my grandfather who is now suffering from dementia, used to play the lottery every week. it makes me wonder how much he’s spent over his 70+ year life and never won a single thing or how they still buy scratchers as gifts for everyone on christmas.

[@CamJames]

thank you! getting scratchers as gifts for people is a unique side effect of this problem. bingo halls are full of older people basically gambling in the same way

[@Kalilah02]

You're one of the channels my husband and I watch together! He's a finance person, and I'm in the mental health field. Amazing work.

[@CamJames]

that's so amazing to hear lol. I'm happy to bring y'all something worth watching

[@trymschjolset6020]

I appreciate the work you have done in making this video. Thank you for sharing!

[@kennethhymes9734]

Subscribed. Thank you for doing what local journalism should do.

[@thescifiphilosopher3063]

My old man would always say.. “the lottery is a tax for folks who can’t do math.” Keep educating and keep up the good work. Your quality between now and a month ago seems like night and day. Don’t forget to optimize your KZbin titles and descriptions for SEO (targeted search keywords, etc). Your message deserves more exposure!

[@CamJames]

thank you for noticing and for the feedback! will definitely continue to work on improving optimization

[@mcritz46vl]

I mean this from my heart. Cam, you’re the smartest person on KZbin.

[@CamJames]

very far from it, but the love is received and i'm grateful

[@AntheanCeilliers]

Another excellent video -- you deserve a huge platform!

[@lollyblizowo4343]

This video showed up on my recommended page this morning and i binged the rest of them during my shift, you have a very evocative and clear way of describing your observations and i love the way you present yourself, i'll be sticking around to see what's next!

[@CamJames]

honored that you spent your valuable time listening to me, that's incredible and i don't take it for granted.

[@RuslanKD]

Love your content. Something to think about: Dave Ramsey has been saying the lottery is a tax on the poor for decades. 19:11 you called a good day a job a privilege? Obviously we all have advantages. Being able to see is an advantage. Being able to walk. Being able to work. Etc. But the “privilege” to work full time at a reasonably paying job is a trip. Especially in America. My predication, your work ethic, personality, and creativity will blow this channel up. Minimal 100k subs and multi 6 figure income in the next 18-24 months. Your next challenge will be relating to your audience (which on average lack everything I just mentioned you have) and you’ll deal with even more survivors guilt. If you scale and keep creating, you’ll probably arrive at the conclusion that the biggest contributors to where we land in life as adults is work ethic, restraint, seizing opportunities and focus. I’m excited to see this evolution. Godspeed.

[@CamJames]

Thank you for your thoughts and the compliments. I'm 33 man, not as young as i may seem. i've learned everything you mentioned already and more. I'd agree that a good job shouldn't be viewed as a privilege, but in America's job market it absolutely is. I work from home too, another privilege that lets me make these videos. i don't think i'll ever lack the ability to relate, i've been dead broke and can't forget that feeling. Empathy defines my approach, and if I can't write with that in mind I'll retire.

[@CamJames]

i haven't looked, large yikes

[@RuslanKD]

@@vgsadgirl😂😂😂 I’ve said neither. Did you intentionally lie? That’s sad. I’ve never said LNX is a demon and my views of end times views are “post millennial” (the minority position in evangelical circles) all you had to do was click into a video before assuming you know anything about what I believe.

[@RuslanKD]

@@CamJamesthanks for sharing. I’ve been flat broke too, grew up on welfare, food rations over seas, etc. and totally agree, I’ll never forget that. I was pointing to the reality that your work ethic (and restraint) is the primary driver of why you’re here. Not survivorship bias. Not “privilege” But actions that moved the needle. Here is a content idea: Mike Rowe from dirty jobs highlighting the amount of people making 6 figures + and becoming millionaires doing jobs the average person refuses to do. There’s so much opportunity out there. But the programming to be a cog in the wheel is also at all time high. I’m sure we’d agree this the best time ever to be alive. That is the true privilege.

[@sauropods]

This video is so cleanly edited and conceptualized and you have such a talent at making information accessible. I hope people gravitate to this channel and we get to see more

[@CamJames]

what a dope thing to say. thank you, can't wait to deliver more

[@fulconelis]

man, you on it! rly like the format and your way of presenting. sorta casual, but serious at the same time

[@CamJames]

aye that's dope feedback! that balance is always the target

[@twocan_cam473]

Only found your videos recently and I'm really enjoying them. Keep up the awesome work!

[@everett8165]

I’m so happy your videos are getting more attention man. Keep going. You’re def gonna hit the algo and reach 100k in no time

[@CamJames]

let's hope for the best! it's a lot to take in, I've worked years for this level of attention on my work.

[@testmeb2157]

From the editing, swag, to the deep dives, these videos are amazing and creative. Mans is gon be at 1m subs in no time. Keep these coming please!!!

[@CamJames]

here's hoping the world likes what i have to offer, thank you for the positivity fam

[@Buzzedup.]

My notification for all videos are turned off, but I'll turn it on so I can see these videos regularly

[@EmoLoving66]

First time finding your videos - I love a good, well sourced, informative video. I’m off to watch all your others!

[@CamJames]

thank you, pls tell me what you think ☀️

[@KC-Mitch]

Just started watching these, but man, if you keep with this style, you're gonna go far. These types of educational opinions pieces are fantastic and I hope to see more soon!

[@swinvesting6071]

There was a story of a guy that worked at one of the lottery game commisions named Eddie Tipton who was in charge of "programming/coding" most lottery games in certain states in the midwest. He rigged the coding/programming so he could win on specific days in which he did win on those specific days. He was later caught and sentented to 25 years. That tells me all I need to know when it comes to the lottery. Its pure luck and a poor mans tax, and those who control it allow "lottery mathematics" to determine what state will have the winning jackpot. Hence why California, Texas, and Florida have winners all the time due to population size. Great video man.

[@CamJames]

thank you for watching and for the insight

[@toothmonsterr]

so excited to see your videos come up, hoping you blow up! your research & delivery is sublime

[@CamJames]

sincerely appreciate the encouragement

[@elsobnumberone3306]

I love what you're doing man. Keep educating the people. Cheers

[@CamJames]

will do fam

[@referralhelper]

You’re absolutely killing it man. Love these deep dives

[@CamJames]

thank you!

[@baylerroy6605]

I’m glad your first deep dive popped into my recommendations. Your KZbin is about to blow up, keep doing what you are doing man

[@CamJames]

happy to have you here!

[@TheJC123]

Another great video! Well researched and interesting. Love that you add context like the budgeting stuff that helps relate the topic to the average person's everday life. Keep it up!

[@CamJames]

thank you, always trying to make sure I'm speaking to the common person.

[@JerekBilbar]

I just found this channel today with the sports betting video and I’m loving the format and perspective! Thank u for what u do

[@CamJames]

thank you for watching!

[@jaylit4008]

Incredible. Very thorough and well-researched. It was super enlightening.

[@Frankyboy07]

Glad to see this series continuing! I know you briefly mentioned pawn shops in the title loan video but a deep dive on that or those buy now pay later companies would be cool you see

[@CamJames]

i've seen a lot of other creators focus on Buy Now, Pay Later so not sure what I can add that's original. will consider these suggestions, thank you for watching!

[@Kingofthe717]

Cam you’re incredible. I’m so excited you made these last three videos and I can’t wait to see what your channel brings in the future. Remember us little guys when youre a household name

[@CamJames]

you're incredible too. that's the best part...i make these for the little guys bc I've been there.

[@Marycharmin]

Your videos flow very well. This was an amazing video! Thank you so much 🙌🏼

[@CamJames]

nah, thank you. you're awesome

[@monkeystank363]

I found cams videos yesterday. I commented and he responded to me and a couple 100 other people. He is doing to same to the comments on this video. Impressed with the quality video and dedication. Man is really workin..... great video

[@CamJames]

i'll respond as long as i possibly can, y'all are helping me do what i love

[@JulieAndersonvideos]

Another excellent video! Never heard of that term astroturfing before. Love seeing your channel blow up and reach more people!

[@CamJames]

thanks Julie! glad i could help spread some info

[@zacharynolan9553]

Cam, great work as always man, wishing you well and I can’t wait to see your platform grow as you continue educating us in a real type of way

[@CamJames]

thank you Zach! glad you enjoyed it bro

[@ralphlazio505]

Great content brother. You’re really good at keeping the attention of your audience.👍🏼👍🏼

[@domoxd]

Very rare that I find a channel that truly deserves a larger audience. Great videos, keep it up.

[@CamJames]

i will for sure, thank you for the encouragement

[@crashtestdolphin5884]

Message, editing, and style all on point. Subbed

[@CamJames]

welcome to the fam, thank you

[@isaack5601]

there is a reason people subscribe to your channel, much love. I enjoy the vibes and the educational/informative yet entertaining content. One of the best on yt right now. underated

[@CamJames]

thank you for real, it's appreciated

[@notcesr7136]

First video I watched from you, now going through and watching all your deep dives. This is good stuff man, I’m looking forward to seeing more.

[@CamJames]

i appreciate you watching and i hope it's beneficial 👨🏾‍🍳

[@tell_em1522]

Your content delivery is unmatched! Keep it up brah!

[@CamJames]

absolutely will do. keep showing up for me and i got you

[@relaxedswede]

Your editing is getting better. Cleaner. And content is banging (as usual). Keep up the good work!

[@CamJames]

definitely will do, thank you for noticing fam

[@silverechohawk5315]

Outstanding work Cam! You really have incredible talent and intelligence in presenting these important videos! Kudos! And keep them coming.

[@CamJames]

Thank you for the love!

[@briantobread]

Hey Cam, love your work and your editing. Very inspirational. I'm working on a docuseries focusing on specific Louisiana issues and this has been very inspiring

[@CamJames]

thank you bro! that sounds awesome, lmk if i can assist in any way

[@hollib3900]

You have really elevated this space. I'm so glad to see you pop out like this. Your style is very engaging. Each video is a movie in itself. As soon as I can, I'm joining The Squad!

[@CamJames]

you hit it on the head, i'm aiming for a movie every couple weeks. very challenging logistically but your support makes it possible!

[@TenaciousP]

100% agree

[@asantecleveland9250]

He doesn't miss!! Great information and overall analysis. Love the series

[@CamJames]

my dawg, thank you for checking me out! hope all's well

[@Mr.Microplastics]

Got turned on to this channel from on of F.D's videos. Cam youre doing awesome work. Love the deep dives and your presentation feels like a firend sitting me down for a conversation about something serious, but with my best intrest at heart. Keep up the stellar investigation and ill be sharing your channel with those who have a thirst for truth. Thank you for your effort and time on these topics!

[@KyleHohn]

This is easily my favorite up and coming KZbin channel! The keep looking at your sub count and expect it to be in the hundreds of thousands based on the production value!

[@rachelsanders2314]

💯…I agree. It won’t be long!

[@CamJames]

grateful for the audience that's discovering me now, i've worked a long time to make sure i belong here. thank you kyle

[@CamJames]

you're too kind, thank you!

[@mrgaudy1954]

Informative without seeming out-of-touch and socially conscious without being preachy; it’s a hard balance to strike when covering a topic like this. Definitely one of the best videos I’ve seen on the subject.

[@CamJames]

thank you for this insightful feedback. I'm always trying to land in the right spot and that's dope to hear

[@ilCarrubba]

This is one of those times where the algorithm gives me exactly what I need more of in my feed! Keep up the awesome work!!!

[@CamJames]

always, glad you found me fam 🥂

[@valaiopwep7990]

Man good channel it’s really refreshing to hear a black man talk about all these things, continue doing that

[@CamJames]

on it boss, thank you

[@chewyfromelcentro]

finally a new video! loved the last two you’ve made and really want to see what you have to say about the lotto. I buy tickets every once in a while and the most I’ll spend is like $10

[@CamJames]

can't wait to hear your thoughts after watching, let me know

[@chewyfromelcentro]

This is fantastic brother! If you’re desparate and you only have $10, i can see why you might say F it and spend it. This is especially true if that’s all you have and you know there isn’t anymore coming soon or ever. Keep this going, each video is better than the one before it and those are great too!

[@mercurius_5962]

Another banger, keep up the good work!

[@CamJames]

i appreciate it, definitely will!

[@beastfrog5]

Cam James, thank you for producing these great videos! You are a blessing to the community and everyone needs to watch your videos to empower their ability to make sound financial choices!

[@CamJames]

thank you for watching!

[@ava_irl7823]

suprised by how few views this has given the production quality. very good video!

[@rickystroud4820]

Don’t stop homie. Keep going. Also keep your down to earth speaking cadence it definitely helps you to get to your target audience

[@CamJames]

for sure, only way I know how to be is me. thanks boss

[@micah3k]

not even done with the video but i gotta say your attention to detail and storytelling is incredible

[@CamJames]

it's dope to be appreciated tbh. i don't get a lot of sleep these days but i'm getting more efficient

[@ChrisDemorro]

enjoyin and appreciating your content man keep it up

[@CamJames]

Thanks, will do!

[@sashstaro]

These are seriously professional. Every deep dive is a breath of fresh air in an "I could show this to people who don't watch KZbin and they would still love it" kind of way. You deserve to be doing this full-time and I think the algorithm knows that lol

[@CamJames]

i hope the algorithm knows something lol. i'm working my ass off. thank you for seeing it

[@siradmiralbanana]

Buddy, you're gonna be a star. Keep it up.

[@CamJames]

on it, thank you bro

[@r3dlobst3r36]

Im really glad the algorithm suggested your channel, it was right for once! I have now watched the payday loan, lottery, and mlm videos, great work!

[@CamJames]

amazing, thank you for giving me a shot

[@FOWBOWZ]

This video is incredibly well done. You've got an art about your work and I love to see it. Subbing

[@CamJames]

muchas gracias

[@stevenkerber8724]

Great video, love your work.

[@ghosttiger84]

Top tier content as usual.

[@CamJames]

much appreciated, thank you for the love!