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* The setup, from WBEZ…
Illinois Lottery officials want to offer lottery tickets over the Internet by next spring, and they’re closer to their ambitions now that the federal government recently gave the OK for states to create and regulate in-state, online sales of lottery tickets and other gaming products.
Both the state and gambling critics agree selling lottery tickets online could be a financial boon for state coffers, but such a development could come at a hefty social cost, said Anita Bedell, the head of the anti-gambling group Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems.
“Well, it could be a boon … but at the expense of addicted gamblers,” Bedell said, adding that simple mouse clicks could prove too enticing for some gamblers.
“They could gamble on home computers, from the office, they could gamble on their cell phones, on their iPhones,” she said. “So, it’s making gambling too accessible.”
* The Question: Do you support or oppose allowing Illinoisans to purchase lottery tickets on the Internet? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please. Thanks.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 10:46 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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Lottery purchases are not evenly distributed across the income scale. Instead, they are heavily skewed toward residents of below average income. If the lottery amounts to a voluntary tax, then it’s a regressive one, that’s for sure.
Comment by reformer Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 10:56 am
Well lets not kid ourselves… It isn’t going to be just Illinoisans, using simple technology, it is going to be easy to make it appear you are coming from Illinois regardless of where in the US or the world for that matter you are coming from.
So you are going to end of up with a race to appeal to the out of state gamer…
But wait, they can’t do that. That’s right the lottery also is not supposed to target specific group with their marketing either (if I remember correctly) and we see how well that is enforced.
So Support or Oppose, but when it comes down to it, lets not pretend it is only going to be Illinoisans..
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:01 am
When is enough going to be enough? Gambling cheats everyone of honest commerce and is a menace to society.
Comment by chillimon Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:05 am
i support it because it is voluntary. but there is potential for abuse. it should have some restrictions on frequency and dollar value of play.
Comment by langhorne Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:07 am
I doubt it is going to create that many more gambling addicts. Honestly if some is a compulsive gambler I doubt it makes that much of a difference if they can do it online or if they have to go a mile to the nearest convenience mart/gas station/store that sells lottery tickets.
Comment by RMWStanford Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:07 am
The problem I have with any online gambling, and I consider the lottery to be another form of this, is the potential for abuse. I’m especially concerned with minor children obtaining access to these websites.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:13 am
Support. I don’t think Lottery gambling has the potential for abuse as other forms as the results are not real time. Plus I don’t get the impression they will be selling the scratch-off tickets on-line which tend to be the more popular quick buys.
Comment by Lincoln Parker Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:15 am
–adding that simple mouse clicks could prove too enticing for some gamblers. –
That simple mouse click is already there. I supported because it is the new reality. It will be a boon to the State or to another State, business or gambling organization.
Comment by Ahoy Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:18 am
How do you assure that under age internet users are not participating?
Comment by Plutocrat03 Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:20 am
Yes, never give a sucker an even break.
Hopefully, it will cut down on the time spent in line at 7//11.
What the first Internet game going to be? “Captive Nigerian Princes?”
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:23 am
I chose “support” although I’m not a fan of state-sponsored gambling — however, if we are going to have a state lottery, I don’t see any reason to prohibit ticket purchases over the internet.
For the couple people above that are concerned about minors purchasing tickets online — I hardly think its a big issue. A kid will need a credit card — if s/he has one its going to be under the parents name and it is incumbent on the parents to review the monthly bills. And it’s not like kids never have the opportunity to buy lottery tickets at stores — I was buying scratch off tickets at 16 and 17.
Comment by Just Observing Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:25 am
Once again our leaders have no sense of the big picture. The reason many businesses have the lottery machines in their stores is to attract people who might not ordinarily frequent their establishment. Stop and get a lottery ticket, pick up a loaf of bread.
Just like the cigarette tax that drove everyone over the borders to purchase their cigarettes and other items this will keep people out of small businesses and reduce the other sales they might have had from lottery purchasers.
These folks have great insight on how to stimulate the economy don’t they?
We avoid at all costs taxing poker machines that are already in place and paying out illegally. To heck with that possible revenue stream. But before the ink is even dry on the the decision that internet lottery sales are possible we are already moving to eliminate consumer traffic into our small businesses.
Great job GA and Gov. you keep digging.
Comment by Irish Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:28 am
Support as Illinois needs all the revenue it can get.
It would be a good idea to make people sign up for an account in order to buy lottery tickets so that problem gamblers might be identified: # of purchases or $ purchases exceeding a certain amount in a month would trigger a mailing and e-mail about gambling problems; or maybe even limit it.
I do feel bad for convenience store owners who will see some reduced revenue for other goods, as people can just buy their lottery tickets at home.
Comment by Robert Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:42 am
I voted in support but only as the program is currently designed. The current law will only allow the regular periodical games to played and not instant games. The lottery companies already have instant games designed that mimic slot machines and that brings up a lot of concerns. This current law won’t encourage compulsive gamblers. This just saves us lazy types from running to the 7-11.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:42 am
The other thing I am curious about is what the on-line version of the lottery look like.
Will it just be ordering lottery items for delivery?
Will it be a virtual scratch off ticket?
Will you be able to type in 10 codes of losing tickets to get a free chance at something else?
Will there be rewards of levels of play on-line?
How will information about players be used, for demographics, marketing? Also if they buy directly from the state lottery is that information FIOA available?
That’s just a couple of minutes of questions, I am sure there are a host of others.
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:43 am
Support. Maybe this will free up a cashier at the gas station.
Now legalize cannabis for hookah lounges & slots at racetracks.
Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:44 am
Plutocrat3,
It would be all but impossible to prevent all underage people from buying lot tickets online. That being said how do you prevent them using the instant machines in stores? There is one a store right next to wear I live I have seen what I am pretty sure are underage people use them. I seen parents/older friends buy ticket for underage players before. I would assume you still have to go in somewhere to redeem a winning a ticket, in which case they would have to have an adult redeem it for them. I have my doubts that online sales would increase substantially the number of underage lottery players.
Comment by RMWStanford Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:46 am
People with gambling problems are going to gamble. Whether that’s in informal betting pools, the lottery, online gaming, barroom poker games with informal payouts… I don’t see why offering one more means is an awful thing especially this particularly lame offering (it isn’t even real time!)
Comment by cermak_rd Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 11:47 am
The State is ok with online lottery but the governoer opposes the gaming bill that would limit wagering to locations where people aleady gamble…..casino’s and race tracks. Video poker potentially at every corner was ok with Quinn but he turns his nose up at legislation that would keep jobs and revenue in Illinois. Double standard, don’t ya think?
Comment by Because I say so... Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 12:10 pm
Because I say so…
Yep, double standard…
Then again I think if it were up to Quinn and Jaffee we would not have video poker either.
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 12:22 pm
The firm now administering the state’s lotto system must be sick of all those small state businesses horning in on their turf.
Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 12:23 pm
I oppose all the Illinois gambling from lottery to riverboats. It’s insidious and primarily hurts those who can least afford it. Further, if it is online I will probably participate and waste my money. And, I will probably ruin my monitor trying to scratch off those tickets!!
Comment by D.P. Gumby Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 12:40 pm
My only problem with internet lottery sales is that it would impact small retailers who rely on accompanying sales when people buy lottery tickets.
Comment by Chevy owner/Ford County Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 12:46 pm
As WordSlinger pointed out there will be a shorter line at the 7-11 (or whatever gas station, or the like)
But who is going to get the take(%) the 7-11, or the like would get from the winning tickets?
This seems like a loosing situation for the in- person ticket sellers (7-11 etc), also this may go the way of Walgreens when they realized their mailorder drug program kept people out of their stores, their sales dropped on things people would pick up to and from the pharmacy counter.
Comment by 3rd Generation Chicago Native Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 1:16 pm
I forgt to mention that the Credit Card companies will gain here, they usually get 2% (or more) on each transaction from the retailer, who now is the state. Credit card companies also charge a retailer (the state in this case) a monthly fee depending on how many transactions or dollar amount (depending on the credit card company) That will cut into the profits, as well as the increased fraudulant charges that will certainly increase. The retailer (the lottery) may get a disputed charge after the tickets are sent out.
Also people in apartments, or homes may see more mail dissapear when it’s marked with the Lottery. I see more problems that will cost the Lottery more.
Comment by 3rd Generation Chicago Native Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 1:22 pm
Support.
Unfortunately state sponsored gambling is here to stay and it is not going away. Therefore, it is fine with me to let the State devise another way to make more money from it. It is a VOLUNTARY tax after all.
As to the horsemen demanding a share, if you can’t make it from gambling from on horse races, maybe your day has passed and it is time to close your doors. Or, in the alternative, pass a law to wager online.
Comment by Suburbanon Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 1:43 pm
Suburbanon
You can bet on the ponies from home
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-10-14/news/0910130373_1_online-horse-illinois-racing-board-betting
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 1:54 pm
Regressive or not, it’s a voluntary tax- and
no one has to participate in paying it if they
don’t wish to do so (this is an example of “free
will” at work).The lottery is for “mathematical
illiterates” but it’s still voluntary.
Comment by Esteban Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 2:04 pm
Support. If we make the market more convenient for internet users and credit card holders, we are expanding it to folks who are not at the bottom of the income scale.
But really, I voted yes because I would find it a bit more convenient.
Comment by the Other Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 2:17 pm
In my perfect world the state would not attempt to make money off the weaknesses of its citizens, but given that all of our adjacent neighbors have a lottery, then we can choose to either stand on principle and count less revenue than we already have or, as in the case here, start the race to the bottom. Its not as if my local lottery agent quizzes me as to whether or not I can afford to spend endlessly on the lottery. Which then brings me to the biggest hypocrisy of all: the only difference beween illegal gambling and the lottery is that its legal for the State to act as your bookie. If gambling is a societal evil to avoid, then the lottery and ‘illegal’ gambling should both be viewed the same. Even though the lottery agent doesn’t cause his customers to see an orthopedic surgeon, the societal costs are not much different; we just feel better when that guy spends his check on lottery tickets instead of his bookie knowing that we’ll get a cut of the action to “fund education”.
Comment by tommydanger Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 2:39 pm
How much would this really cut into the take at the convenience stores? I don’t see a lot of people using their credit cards to buy lotto tickets at the local 7-11.
Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 2:50 pm
–I don’t see a lot of people using their credit cards to buy lotto tickets at the local 7-11.–
My 7-11 is like a low-rent Bellagio. Half the people in there at any one time are gambling. The other half are there for drinks (coffee and Big Gulps) and the atmosphere.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 2:58 pm
I am always torn about this. I agree with Anita Bedell and many of her statements about gambling but again do we play Big Brother to people who smoke and drink (both bad habits, both potential for harm)? When do we let people make their own decisions, good or bad?
Comment by southernillinois Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 3:03 pm
I voted yes. People are going to find a way to gamble on line whether it is legal or not.
My questions is whether or not credit/debit card companies will allow their cards to be used to pay for the on-line lottery sales. I don’t think my credit union will allow me to use my debit card to pay for on-line gambling.
Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 3:06 pm
support. expanding the opportunity for those who like to do much from the comfort of their computerland setup at home.
Comment by amalia Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 3:13 pm
Rich-
Unless I’m mistaken, you can already play Lotto, Big Lotto, and Mega Millions online.
Check out myillinoislottery.com
What the state wants to do is “sell” Instant Lottery tickets online. Assuming they’ll have decent graphics and sound, these instant lottery games will be virtually indistinguishable from online slot machines or five card stud poker.
I just want to make sure we all know what we’re talking about when we debate online ticket sales.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 3:14 pm
===My 7-11 is like a low-rent Bellagio.===
Lol! That gets my vote for comment of the year (so far).
I guess I’m opposed, not for any real reason, just that I think the state is cutting into its own market. The same people that might frequent neighborhood video poker places (assuming that ever comes to fruition) are instead going to stay home and play the lottery on computer. How do you fund a capital bill that way? You don’t.
This just lets everyone have a slot machine on their home computers. This is really no different in my opinion. It’s just bad business on the part of the state to dilute its market this way.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 3:15 pm
Opposed for three reasons. First, it will have a negative impact on corner stores and shops for whom lottery is a significant revenue stream. Pressuring stores like this will result in diminishing or even knocking out a valuable amenity in some cases.
Secondly I don’t see how it will significantly boost state revenue. It simply reshuffles the deck by shifting gambling from one venue to another. The only way the state gains money out of this is by pocketing all the revenue and not having to share it with the corner stores that sell lottery tickets in the first place. See objection number one.
Third, it almost inevitably means some kind of tie-in between credit cards and lottery tickets. If you purchase with a text message on your mobile phone and you pay your phone with your credit card, that’s a connection right there. As for other online transactions, do they require e-check, or do they use a debit, or allow a credit card? Something the legislature will no doubt have to debate.
Comment by Angry Chicagoan Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 3:24 pm
In for a penny, in for a pound of flesh.
Comment by walkinfool Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 3:34 pm
“The only way the state gains money out of this is by pocketing all the revenue and not having to share it with the corner stores that sell lottery tickets in the first place. See objection number one.” - Don’t you believe it.
The state hired a company (3 really) to manage the lottery. Trust me they’ll get a take. So take the money from small business owners who don’t make campaign contributions and give it to a large corporation that does.
I don’t like this, it smells. Follow the money.
Comment by Casual observer Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 3:44 pm
I would like for the stores that sell lottery tickets to continue to rely on this income. When people are willing to up how much they spend on the lottery, I might be more open to the idea.
Comment by Dirty Red Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 4:32 pm
Young adults over 18 will spend more of their money on gambling if lottery tickets are sold online. If the goal is to train our young people to rely on chance instead of work or investments to increase their wealth then our government is still on the wrong track.
Comment by Ruby Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 4:44 pm
To 47th Ward @ 3:15 pm: Online lottery sales will just be the beginning. It will be followed by online video poker. Every home with a computer will become a potential casino, reducing the market for video poker in bars and restaurants.
Comment by Ruby Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 4:55 pm
I support it and legalized marijuana. I don’t do either but its sure a good way to increase revenue.
Comment by mokenavince Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 4:59 pm
Financing our government by plying games focused on those with lower income lacks moral fiber. Gambling leads some people to focus their time on get rich quick schemes. My father was one of those people and gambling did nothing but hurt our family.
Comment by bonbon Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 5:12 pm
@Ruby-
See my earlier comments.
These games will be online video poker.
They’ll call it Instant Lottery, but five playing cards
Will be dealt to you on the screen, and you’ll be paid out based on how good your hand is: Jacks or better, of course.
But the mainstay will likely be versions of slot machines…once you give them your Visa #, just pull the lever until the money runs out.
Traditional Lotto/Big Lotto/Mega Millions tickets can ALREADY be purchased online.
This is ALL about the instant games.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 6:40 pm
I feel there is too much gambling going on now! The money doesn’t go toward what it was suppose to go toward in the first place and it is too addictive.
Comment by crlsn Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 8:37 pm
Lottery? Lottery? Rich you missed it! The Lottery is just small fry stuff. The boys out in Vegas want to legalize internet poker and casino gambling. It’s all the talk in the gambling business. The lottery ain’t nothing here. Take Caesar’s Entertainment and put it in a server. Have it licensed by the IGB and the revenue will come pouring in. We might lose a boat or two but that’s the wave (pun intended) of the future!
Comment by Ambivalent Tuesday, Jan 3, 12 @ 10:20 pm
All gambling hurts the economy and is a menace to society. Wasn’t gambling going to eliminate state and school budget deficits? So why is the State of Illinois broke and the schools struggling for funds? Gambling does not help our state or our citizens; it obviously has failed to do any good but just takes from our economy. Gambling interfers with our moral compass.
Comment by Waldo Wednesday, Jan 4, 12 @ 8:09 am
===Wasn’t gambling going to eliminate state and school budget deficits?===
Don’t be stupid.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 4, 12 @ 8:11 am
–Gambling interfers with our moral compass.–
A second reference in one day to the “moral compass.” If it’s truly a compass, shouldn’t it always point “true north” for everyone, or do only a like-minded few actually know how to use one?
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 4, 12 @ 8:25 am
The title of a great book published a few years ago expresses my view, “Gambling - A Bad Bet.” Or, as the late P. T. Barnum once quipped, “There’s a sucker born every minute.” I can’t think of a worse deception to someone with financial woes than to delude them into a state-sponsored get-rich-quick scheme.
Comment by RevBill Wednesday, Jan 4, 12 @ 3:39 pm
“Las Vegas Sands Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson….the world’s richest casino billionaire, says he’s against online gambling because he doesn’t believe available technology is good enough to prevent young people from making wagers on the Internet.”
For the Full Article: Obama’s new tax on the poor: Internet gambling by states - CSMonitor.com
Comment by Ruby Wednesday, Jan 4, 12 @ 5:57 pm