I think the point he (jwz) was trying to make when he used the words "tax" and "lottery" is that they are, on average, not things you want to spend money on. Not that options are an ACTUAL tax or lottery. "Stupid tax" meaning (quoting Urban Dictionary) the price you pay for ignorance.

"Lottery" in the sense that, yes, someone is going to win it. Its just not going to be you, statistically.