Senate Votes To Outlaw Online Lottery Tickets
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Senate has taken a stand against the sale of lottery tickets through a website or gas-pump terminals.
By a voice vote Friday, senators moved to outlaw the practice that the Minnesota Lottery had already begun. It was as an amendment to a separate gambling regulation bill.
The lottery has faced bipartisan criticism for moving forward with the new sales portals without getting explicit legislative consent. This winter, the lottery launched virtual instant-play tickets to go along with subscription sales of tickets for draw games like Powerball.
Some lawmakers say they worry an online push will make the gambling more addictive or harm sales in convenience stores. Lottery officials argue the Internet sales enhance brand awareness and are done with strict controls. Gov. Mark Dayton hasn't announced his position.
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