Summary:  can see that the gambling character of mining, akin to the allure of lotteries, has been a longstanding issue in society. The pursuit of mining for precious metals, like lottery gambling, appears unprofitable to the observer, but those engaged in it are often unable to perceive its risks. The widespread practice of lottery gambling in American cities, such as the sale of Havana lottery tickets in New York, suggests that society as a whole may not fully grasp the unfavorable odds of such activities. Despite the potential for vast wealth, the inefficiency and unprofitability of both mining and gambling are often overlooked due to lack of understanding, false promises, and an attraction to quick riches. The persistence of these practices over time, despite critical views, highlights the complexity of human behavior when faced with the prospect of fortune.