Rags to riches stories are always fun to hear. The best stories involve hard-luck cases, where significant winnings may be used to help out those truly in need. Although most of us have not won the Mega millions Jackpot, everyone has their very own lottery success story. Maybe, your story is a $5 scratch-off that paid off and bought lunch and dinner for you and your friends. Or possibly, you are part of a work group who have used the exact same lucky numbers for years. Regardless of what your story is, you share a common hobby with millions of Americans.

Four reasons why we love to hear lottery success stories:

The fantasy of being a millionaire

Yes, money is not everything, though the promise of great wealth is one thing that none of us can resist. For example, shows from Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous to MTV’s Cribs have been wildly successful since they showcase a side of life that most of us do not get to find out. Most of us are hard-working people, as well as the fantasy of living the “good life,” with its promise of exotic vacations and lavish living, can excite even the most practical person. Plus, all of us can feel good inside once we hear those special lottery success stories where a lottery winner is able to use their winnings to do great deeds and accomplish something special. It’s the rationale that shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition are so popular. We like to believe that all lottery online winners are going to be as generous and charitable as some top winners have been.

We love to root for the “little guy”

Whether it’s a contestant playing for a million dollar prize on your favorite game show, or even the sports team that nobody thought could win coming from behind in a big upset, people love to root for the underdog. For example, the story of XXX is a great story and one where most readers are pleased to see that they have become big winners. Because most of us happen to be the underdog sometime in our lives, we know what it’s like to face tough odds, overcome them, and take pleasure in the exhilaration that victory can bring.

It sparks our imaginations

When we hear about others winning, it’s easy to imagine ourselves within their shoes. Since most lottery success stories are about regular people, like you and me, it’s not too hard to see ourselves in their shoes. Some of the most successful lottery slogans were the famous slogans “Hey, you never know,” and “All you will need is a dollar as well as a dream.” And, those ads are 100% correct. You do not need a PhD or a fancy job to win the lottery. Who will not dream of winning millions once they opt to play “just this once,” or who hasn’t experienced the excitement of buying a ticket with a group of co-workers? Until those numbers are picked, buying a lottery ticket is just one of the most exciting ways to spend a dollar!

The lottery is universal

Playing the lottery is one thing that everyone on this planet can connect with. Because each state has its own lottery, and online lottery games are now available to most anyone with the Internet connection, everyone knows the best way to play. The lottery phenomenon is just not exclusively American – in other countries, the lottery is a national event. One example is in Spain it’s described as “El Gordo” and more celebrated there than perhaps anywhere else worldwide. Consequently, clearly, the shared culture of “rags to riches” stories is part of the human condition and something that may be shared by people across the world.