Efforts by several states to raise more money from lotteries and other forms of gambling to counter downturns in tax revenue have fallen short for the most part, and Idaho officials have shied away from the idea.
More than half of all states considered changes to their gambling laws, but just four enacted changes so far. Attempts in 17 statehouses failed, while five states’ actions are undetermined.
Among the changes, Ohio and New York both are now selling tickets for Powerball, the multi-state lottery Idaho already participates in. New York estimates that it will raise $134 million in the next year from Powerball.
New York also expanded the hours of video slot machines at its racetracks, while Delaware will add table games including poker and blackjack. Florida passed a law expanding the Seminole Tribe’s gaming operations, which is expected to generate $433 million.
Idaho Lottery officials have no plans for expansion. They are considering some small changes to gaming rules, but no changes to laws that would seek to expand state revenues. The Idaho Lottery has seen profits rise during the past few years, with a record $36.5 million profit during the last fiscal year – that money is earmarked for public schools and the state’s Permanent Building Fund.
Gov. Butch Otter has also said that he doesn’t think there’s support in Idaho for more wide-open gaming. (IdahoReporter.com)
