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Alabama residents cross state lines in droves to play lottery as jackpots soarNews Story
Possibility of state lottery remains in limbo as residents pressure lawmakers By Kate Northrop The jackpots for multi-state games Mega Millions and Powerball are at record highs this week, and Alabama residents are doing all they can to join in on the fun while they wait endlessly for an approval of a state-run lottery of their own. Alabama is one of five U.S. states that does not yet have its own state lottery. Locals are flustered with the hassle of having to drive to one of four bord
Jan 18, 2021, 5:07 pm - Lottery News

UK raises legal age to play the National Lottery from 16 to 18News Story
Law change goes into effect next year as the government reviews the lottery and gaming industry By Kate Northrop Starting next year, 16- and 17-year-olds will no longer be able to play the National Lottery. In a move to curb the potential development of harmful gambling habits in a rapidly evolving digital age, the UK government announced that they will be raising the legal age to play the lottery to 18. Following a review of gambling laws launched by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, th
Dec 8, 2020, 3:12 pm - Lottery News

State of Oregon forcing retailers to pay taxes on video lottery machines that are shut downNews Story
Hundreds of bars and restaurants already struggling to survive are now facing another financial setback. The Oregon Lottery is collecting taxes on each video lottery machine, even though the machines are shut down. I was absolutely floored. I could not believe it, said Gloria Huguley, owner of Newport Steak and Seafood. Huguley said she owes $2,082 in taxes for the six video lottery machines in her restaurant, which remains closed due to stay-at-home restrictions. The family-run restauran
Apr 30, 2020, 8:20 am - Lottery News

Cratering lottery revenue is bad luck for NJ state worker pensionsNews Story
There's a new cause for concern about New Jersey's chronically underfunded public-worker pension funds sagging state Lottery revenues. That's something of a double whammy for one of the nation's worst-funded state retirement systems, which has seen investment returns plummet precipitously during the coronavirus pandemic. So far this fiscal year, Lottery revenues, which serve as a dedicated source of funding for the pension system, are down more than 12% compared with the same period last y
Apr 27, 2020, 10:39 am - Lottery News

Ireland Lottery releasing €16 million in unclaimed funds to help battle against COVID-19News Story
Unclaimed Ireland Lottery funds of 16 million (US$17.5 million) are being rapidly released to help battle coronavirus. The money will see its way towards the frontline as the country ramps-up its response to the unprecedented spread of the lethal disease. Paschal Donohoe has announced that the windfall from the National Lottery is coming into the government's coffers early. This will help the Government's efforts now as the country battles to beat back the deadly virus. The money wil
Apr 1, 2020, 2:35 pm - Lottery News

U.S. gaming industry hanging hopes on stimulus packageNews Story
Hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, the American gaming industry, including the expanding legal sports betting market, is optimistic the federal relief bill signed into law Friday by President Donald Trump will help its recovery. The $2 trillion CARES Act provides emergency liquidity, tax relief and additional support for small businesses, among other measures that could benefit the gaming industry. The funds will be allocated to states then apportioned to individual industries based on eco
Mar 31, 2020, 8:47 am - Lottery News

Lottery bill is likely dead in Alabama legislatureNews Story
It appears the latest attempt to create an Alabama state lottery will die, killed this time not by special interests but, instead, coronavirus. The Alabama legislature still has about half of its 30 allotment of meeting days remaining, but also faces a mid-May deadline to end the session that began in early February. All meeting days must take place within a 105 day span. COVID-19, and the restrictions it has caused, will probably kill most most of them. It's not only Representative Ste
Mar 25, 2020, 8:10 am - Lottery News

Alabama lottery bill filed in House with 70 co-sponsorsNews Story
Alabama Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, filed an education lottery bill Tuesday with 70 co-sponsors that if passed would go to the ballot as a constitutional amendment for people to vote on. It would approve a paper-based lottery generating about $167 million each year according to Clouse. 50 percent of the proceeds would go toward the First Class Pre-K program and the other half for scholarships. Video lottery terminals would not be allowed. It's just time that we put this on the ballot agai
Mar 12, 2020, 10:48 am - Lottery News

New law allows online sale of Virginia lottery ticketsNews Story
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has signed a bill into law that permits the online sale of state lottery tickets, which the fiscal estimate suggests could generate $12 million in annual state revenue. A person will be permitted to purchase the tickets through a computer, a smartphone or other electronic devices when the Virginia Lottery gets the new method of sales up and running. The $12 million estimate, however, assumes the new sales will not affect sales in traditional lottery locations. T
Mar 6, 2020, 2:21 pm - Lottery News

Alabama governor reestablishes study group for lotteryNews Story
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey reopened the Governor's Study Group on Gambling Policy by signing Executive Order 719. I am committed to, once and for all, getting the facts so that the people of Alabama can make an informed decision on what has been a hotly debated topic for many years, Ivey said in a press release. Without a doubt, there will be ramifications if we eventually expand gaming options in our state just as there are costs associated with doing nothing. The purpose of the study group i
Mar 5, 2020, 12:13 pm - Lottery News