Minnesota's Lottery System Faces Criticism
Stateside, the discussion surrounding web-based betting has become a buzzing topic in federal politics. Nonetheless, advancements in this field — either towards countrywide regulation or a complete prohibition — are projected to be sluggish, or perhaps, may not occur at all. On the other hand, local changes continue to make headway, at times at a lightning-fast speed.
Minnesota is a case in point, where some officials are hurrying to conclude online lottery deals in the state. Initially introduced online years ago, the Minnesota Lottery is coming under fire as the lottery games gain heightened exposure.
Harsh Commentary from Disapprovers
"This isn't the online lottery,” claimed State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston). “This is online crack. It's addictive, and it's going to destroy families."
The main bone of contention for critics is the improved accessibility of lottery games across the state. The Minnesota Lottery has recently been experimenting with ATM, gas pump, and mobile device sales, causing some to argue that the games are simply too accessible.
"We're going to now have gambling in every smart phone,” remarked Jake Grassel of Citizens Against Gambling Expansion. "In every iPhone. Every school, every library, every Starbucks in the entire state."
These comments seem to be gathering speed within the legislative bases. The Minnesota Senate has already voiced a resounding 'no' to online lottery sales, and the House Commerce Committee agreed to a similar bill last week.
Governor Voices Doubts
Governor Mark Dayton, however, isn't entirely convinced the bill will pass without flaws. Although he speculates the bill might be a bid to aid competitors of the Minnesota Lottery as opposed to genuine worries about the games, he admits that he might not have the authority to block the bill from progressing. While Dayton didn't guarantee a signature on the bill, he confessed that should supporters garner enough votes in the House, even his veto wouldn't hinder the legislation.
Yet, Dayton did request that any related law at least grants the Minnesota Lottery a grace period to cease their online sales.
"Like many things in this session, it's being pushed through without the thought it deserves," Dayton remarked.
Still, with leaders from both parties backing this effort, a House vote may be imminent in the next couple of weeks.
Lottery Officials Counterargue
Meanwhile, Minnesota Lottery representatives have kept defending this spillover into web-based gaming, arguing that they must innovate to keep up with the times. Ed Van Sletten, the Minnesota Lottery's director, notes that a halt to online sales could result in an $8 million drop in yearly revenue. He also stated that there are significant measures in place to prevent minors from buying tickets.
Van Sletten questioned the targeting of the Minnesota Lottery's marketing attempts.
"If we're going to legislate against marketing to young adults, I think you need to focus on energy drink companies — Mountain Dew, for one — instead," Van Sletten stated.
The proposed legislation could also end lottery sales at gas pumps. Convenience store owners have battled against these sales, asserting that they drive customers away from their stores and towards gas stations.
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