No, way2go...
I think you're wrong. This charity does not have to come with a tragic price... and if it does, it won't be because of that reason.
The reason'll be, imo, that there's only a limited demand for lotto tickets... which will only be able to feed a given number of affiliates... while at a given point, there'll still be much more people joining as an affiliate than this 'potential' can afford.
In other words: indeed, each dollar affiliates earn is payed by someone... but this is fair as long as it's someone who enjoys playing lotto. That group determines the pool/stakes that can be be shared. (Not taking into account about the price people are willing to pay for the charity idea.)
So... if I were you, affiliates, I would start making some good estimate of what's the cake you're looking for... and see in how many & how little pieces you can cut it before these won't be large enough no more to feed the common man... and people (affiliates) 'll be starving. And meanwhile... stop to recruit affiliates and focus on regular members, who want to buy tickets. As that's in the end the product you're selling. Not that affiliate place with (deflating) potential. For your own common good... just my thought ;),
take care,
Hasse