State Rep. Alyce Clarke, D-Jackson, has introduced a bill allowing voters to decide whether the Magnolia state will institute a lottery to help pay for college scholarships, reports WAPT. The House Gaming Committee will debate the bill, HR 337, today.

Gov. Haley Barbour has been a critical of lotteries operating in Mississippi, arguing that money spent on lottery tickets would reduce casino revenues. He has also stated that the poor disproportionately spend more on lotteries. The governor will likely veto any lottery bill that makes it to his desk.

Previous Comments

ID

155664

Comment

I play Powerball in LA and patronize casinos in MS. The merchant that sells Powerball tickets in LA also gets revenue from the sale of gas and other items in their store that would otherwise stay in state. A state lottery other than Powerball would draw players across the state lines into MS to spend money.

Author

Jeffery R

Date

2010-02-01T17:16:28-06:00

ID

155670

Comment

GREAT IDEA! Many people cross that bridge from MS daily buying lottery tickets. This is something that can be done without mega dollars to set it up. Unlike a casino or toll bridge, this could be done quick, fast and in a hurry.

Author

justjess

Date

2010-02-02T10:39:14-06:00

ID

155671

Comment

It seems as if the governor is becomming the "Governor of NO". He is ok with closing black universities, cutting medicaid, chip programs for kids and anything else associated with aide to poor people. Now, he is concerned about the "poor" buying a dollar lottery ticket? Give me a break! PS. I guess it's ok for the "poor" to spend money in the casinos since he said, "a lottery will reduce casino revenues." This is so wrong!

Author

justjess

Date

2010-02-02T10:45:49-06:00

ID

155676

Comment

Great Idea and time to act for Education. Georgia's Lottery is doing quite well. Sep the big winners are always high school drop outs and drivin their Cameros up to the Zippy to buy cigarettes. Ain't life good.......

Author

atlntaexile

Date

2010-02-02T11:35:21-06:00