A bill to turn off online sales of Minnesota Lottery tickets moved ahead Friday in the state Senate.
The bill, which would also do away with "play at the pump" lottery sales available at some gas stations, cleared the State and Local Government Committee and was headed to the Finance Committee.
The measure seeks to pull back the expansion of lottery offerings from "beyond what was intended," said Sen. Rod Skoe, DFL-Clearbrook, sponsor of the bill.
Skoe chairs the Senate Taxes Committee, and the bill is co-sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, and Minority Leader David Hann, R-Eden Prairie.
Bakk has said he thinks it has enough support to pass the Senate.
The lottery has been offering lotto-style games on the Internet for more than three years. In early February, it started offering online scratch-off games, which have generated the backlash.
The difference, say critics of online gaming, is that the lotto-type games allow players to select numbers and then find out later through a drawing whether they've won, whereas the online scratch-off allows players to get instant results and to play continuously from their home computers or laptops, which increases the chances for addictive behavior.
And the new games are aimed at young people, critics complain.
They say the lottery should have sought legislative approval before expanding its online offerings.
But Minnesota State Lottery executive director Ed Van Petten has argued the 1989 law setting up the lottery authorized his agency to sell lottery tickets and to decide how that's to be done.
Skoe said that regardless of whether the state lottery had the authority, making Minnesota the only state to offer online scratch-off games goes beyond what's appropriate.
Van Petten told committee members Friday that the online program comes with spending limits to deter addictive behavior and that it will boost business at brick-and-mortar retailers that sell lottery tickets. Halting an effort that's been underway only about six weeks "is acting very prematurely," he said. "It's just too early to tell at this point."
The Minnesota Lottery was established after voters passed a constitutional amendment in 1988 to set it up and dictate that at least 40 percent of net proceeds be deposited in a natural resources trust fund. It now generates more than $500 million per year in total revenue -- about 60 percent of which goes back via prizes. In fiscal year 2012, $124 million went to various state programs.
that is the worst thing i've ever heard in my life.those people need to vacate office yesterday.
I agree. Dopey in the extreme.
I like online lottery. It will get young ppl to play. I don't think it will be addictive.
...here's a thought...what about worldwide lottery?
Jejeje...
They are actually considering something like this...it would allow players to play 5 different games on one ticket; EuroMillions, Oz Lotto, Powerball, etc. Haven't heard lately whether they are still pursuing the concept or not, though.
Cool!
Is that you, Marilyn?
Pretty lady.
Thank you sir. Yes, it is I.
Thank you!
We had a thread a couple years or so ago where everybody posted their pictures, we should do that again.
I think so too...that would be nice...jejejeje
I already bought my PB ticket for tonite jejejeje
...and the same to you as well!
Yay! I bought just one ticket and won $100.00 jejejeje
"play at the pump"
Not a good ideal. What happens when the machine breaks with your $$ in it. Patel isn't going to help you because he's mad no one is coming in and buying stuff.
Well, you could at least go in and buy a small Mango Squishee.
Congratulations on your Win Marilyn222
Thank you. I wish you win too!
Congrats, Marilyn!
Thank you...
Cheers!
Now I can buy 2 more tickets...jejejeje...
They don't sell those up here so i usually get a 30 day slow rolled hotdog.
This is fun...playing candy crush. jejejeje
TY
you better watch out of them boy's
I'm not into that at this time...busy studying yet. Besides, I just want to post a lot so I can catch up with you guys. jejejeje
What is Chief Bottle Washer?
It means it's the person who does everything no matter how big or how small.
Todd is the web master, this is his site,
What is jejejeje ?
jejejeje...how do I know?
That's right sully and it's from the old days.
I remember mamaw using the words "Chief cook and bottle washer" all the time.
In Asia, "J" is pronounced "H" that's why I use J instead of H...as in; hehehe...
Pinoy?
Yes sir, I am.
Good guess.
Thanks Marilyn, Hope you have lots of fun at Lottery Post.
LOL, I remember the same thing from my mom.
What did THRIFTY do?