PHILADELPHIA — Most people toss away losing lottery tickets, but not self-described “lotologists.”

Members of the small but enthusiastic Global Lottery Collector’s Society keep scratch-off tickets from all over the world.

The group is in Philadelphia this weekend for its annual “Lotovention,” to meet and trade the tickets printed with quirky designs and colorful illustrations.

The stubs come in different shapes, sizes and dollar denominations. Ticket themes run the gamut from movies and TV shows to sports teams and holiday cheer.

Collectors say the hobby is strictly for fun, not to gamble or get rich. And there are always more tickets to collect: Pennsylvania’s lottery alone issues about 60 new scratch-off games per year.

By The Associated Press