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New Paltz, NY – There's a new wave of interest to make playing the lottery a little easier. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Greg Fry reports that some states are interested in making it as easy as the click of a button...
State lotteries can be a lucrative business. Take, for example, New York, where lottery officials say they turned a three billion dollar profit in the last fiscal year, all stemming from more than seven point eight billion dollars in sales and net wins.
New York State Assemblyman Clifford Crouch represents parts of four counties, including Ulster and Delaware Counties. He believes he has a proposal that could bring in even more revenue, by allowing the sale of online lottery tickets from anywhere in the world.
Crouch goes on to say that there's support out there for the idea. The Assemblyman says people from within the New York Lottery have contacted Crouch to say that they like the proposal.
It's not far-fetched to think that the idea could become a reality. In Massachusetts, lawmakers are considering an online lottery proposal. State Senator Michael Rush's proposal calls for the Massachusetts Lottery Commission to create a pilot program, which would last no more than two years. The program would evaluate new technologies, delivery mechanisms, sales channels and other innovations not previously offered by the Commission. A hearing was held on the matter last week.
New Jersey lawmakers are also considering an online lottery proposal, which has passed through one chamber of the state legislature.
Michelle Hadden is the Director of Prevention and Training for the New York Council on Problem Gambling based in Albany. The organization doesn't have a stance for or against gambling, but helps increase awareness about out-of-control gambling. Hadden says the concern is that services for problem gamblers aren't keeping up with demand.
Hadden tells WAMC News that online gambling is still a small market, compared to traditional forms of gambling. She says while the rates are low, those involved in online gambling are doing so at a more problematic rate.
Assemblyman Clifford Crouch says almost anything could be included in online lottery sales in New York. He acknowledges that there would be opposition, but believes the online purchases can be done in a responsible way. He says despite objections to gambling, there is an opportunity, as long as there are legitimate lottery sales from the government.