You are correct in technical terms. But despite the post, I sort of do defend playing the lottery a little bit, even though I don't do it myself.
I think for a lot of people it's just fun. It's a few bucks and you get something to look forward to. I think it's understandable, just some fun.
Though some people are desperate spend a shit ton of different kinds of lottery tickets, every week, and really end up losing money that they could find better use for.