Some of that money goes into the pockets of the gamblers while large portions go back into the gaming and lotto industries. The remainder goes to numerous sectors throughout the state that really need it, such as Missouri schools.

"That's very important. Education has come to depend and rely on it, and then there's another $100 million that goes to support the National Guard and the veterans, early childhood and a college loan program," said Gary McNary of the Missouri Gaming Commission.

But with an unstable economy and the word recession being tossed around, expendable income could be a thing of the past.

The rising cost of food, gasoline, and other necessities could make trips to the casino and powerball tickets completely expendable, and convenience stores are getting hit the hardest.

As fuel and food prices continue to rise at convenience stores everywhere, customers are forced to choose between filling up, or scratching off.

Jonathan Faucett works for a local "Mom and Pop" gas station which is getting hit three ways.  He says lotto ticket purchases are down, and he knows what's to blame.

"I would say that because of gasoline prices, tickets may have slowed down a little bit. Drink prices and other things included," said Faucett.

In Faucett's opinion however, they were never up to begin with.

"Lottery tickets come at a high price and low profit," said Faucett.

And how are gasoline prices impacting the casino business?

"As far as casinos and driving to casinos, we have a hard time tracking that. Our barometer, our index tracks retail sales and casino revenues seem to correspond with retail sales. Retail sales go down, we can expect casino spending to go down," said McNary.

As retail sales dip nationwide in this market, it is safe to say that when it comes to gambling, consumers can't afford to take the risk.