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People Fixing the World
Using lotteries to make us better people
People Fixing the World
May 3, 2022

Lotteries aren’t just about winning money. They’re also being used to nudge people to change their behaviour.

In the UK we try out a mobile app that enters users in to a £25,000 lottery every time they pick up a piece of litter.

We see how heart patients in the US can win smaller prizes for taking their pills… and if they don’t take their medicine, are told what they could have won.

And we look at receipt lotteries, where customers are encouraged to get receipts as each one is an entry to a big monthly draw. The scheme started in Taiwan but has been replicated in a number of countries, helping governments find the businesses avoiding tax.

Presenter: Myra Anubi Reporter: Claire Bates Producer: Francois Wibaux Executive producer: Tom Colls Editor: Penny Murphy Image: Illustration from Getty Images

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People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We release a new edition every Tuesday. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email [email protected]. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.

Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer: Richard Kenny Editor: Jon Bithrey Sound mix: Andrew Mills

(Photo: A mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Credit: Richard Kenny)


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People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We release a new edition every Tuesday. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email [email protected]. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.

This programme was first broadcast in June 2024.

Presenter: Myra Anubi Reporters: Emma Tracey, Claire Bowes Producer: Claire Bowes Series Producer: Jon Bithrey Editor: Tom Bigwood Sound mix: Hal Haines

(Image: Wearapy model photoshoot)


24min 01sec

Using lotteries to make us better people

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