Online lottery plans criticized by some West Michigan lawmakers

Apr 17, 2013, 4:05 pm (27 comments)

Michigan Lottery

HOLLAND, Mich. — Lounging on the couch at home playing Keno and buying lottery tickets on your iPhone or computer doesn't sit well with some West Michigan lawmakers.

"I know seniors right now whose Social Security doesn't last a month because they're buying lottery tickets at the local store. If they can do it from home, their checks will be gone in less than two weeks," said State Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge.

A new game system called iLottery would begin offering online sales of single tickets and instant games near the end of the year. The types of games available on iLottery have not been announced.

Jones, a co-sponsor of a Senate bill to prevent Michigan Lottery sales of Keno and lottery ticket sales online, denounced the idea along with other Republican legislators at a Holland Chamber meeting this week.

"I don't want people to lose their homes, because they're gambling from their homes," Jones said.

Rep. Amanda Price, R-Grand Haven, said gambling can easily become an addiction and she does not want to see the state putting betting slips in the hands of everyone who has an iPhone or iPad to encourage it.

"I know first-hand about addiction because there's alcohol addiction in my family — and the state lottery shouldn't be encouraging people like this," Price said.

"Putting gambling online would be almost pressuring people, from high school kids to seniors, to be tempted," she said.

Making more money for the state is the idea behind iLottery, which could bring at least $118 million in additional revenue to the Michigan School Aid Fund in the first four years and over $300 million a year by the sixth year.

Lottery Commissioner Scott Bowen told lawmakers in written testimony in February, "The ability to purchase products over the Internet is a modern-day convenience that our players demand. " He also noted the service would be provided in a "socially responsible manner," with security to prevent those underage from playing.

Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville, Rep. Bob Genetski, R-Saugatuck, and Rep. Joe Haveman also panned plans for an iLottery at the meeting.

"The lottery is a tax on those who are poor ... in math. It's a waste of money with more losers than winners," Haveman said.

Jones said he would rather stick with people having to go to service stations and stores for lottery tickets.

"At least they can pick up milk and bread and some food there that they can eat when their ticket doesn't win."

mlive

Comments

Todd's avatarTodd

These Michigan legislators sound incredibly silly.  I wonder if they ever try listening to the things they're saying.  If they did, they might not speak so much.

liberal47's avatarliberal47

The Michigan legislature is controlled by a group of Conservative Republicans who want to control every factor of life in Michigan. I won't be surprised if Sen. Rick Jones,  who I think is a publicity whore and anal retentive, tries to control bowel movements of men women and children in our state. The people voted to legalize medical marijuana and Senator Jones immeadiately began to attack the law and neuter it. These guys scream about the government control from Washington while at the same time they try to annex our bodies and souls. The seniors that Jones says would sit on there couch and gamble, will still find their way to a lottery terminal to play. He mentions nothing about the Buses you can find in every Walmart and Target parking lot every morning waiting to ferry seniors to the casino, where I guarantee they will lose money far faster than they would sitting at home.

jeffrey's avatarjeffrey

this would be darwinism at its finest. lose their money, homes, lives faster and get off the gov't books faster while putting money in state coffers. sounds like a win-win to me.White Bounce

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

i think the people should do what they want it is their money Patriot

this is USAUS Flag Yes Nod

not Russia No Nod

redhot7's avatarredhot7

Even if online lottery is legal, I don't want to participate because I don't want my credit card company or bank to know that I am gambling Group Hug

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by redhot7 on Apr 17, 2013

Even if online lottery is legal, I don't want to participate because I don't want my credit card company or bank to know that I am gambling Group Hug

they won't No Nod

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on Apr 17, 2013

they won't No Nod

Yes they will. They are watching.Yes Nod

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on Apr 17, 2013

Yes they will. They are watching.Yes Nod

who watchingEvil Looking

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by Todd on Apr 17, 2013

These Michigan legislators sound incredibly silly.  I wonder if they ever try listening to the things they're saying.  If they did, they might not speak so much.

Green laugh When I get lottery tickets today, Im also going to get some food to eat when my tickets dont win.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on Apr 17, 2013

who watchingEvil Looking

Shhhhhhhhhh... D bank. 

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

i have 3 different banks so if anyone be watching me they will keep busy White Bounce

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on Apr 17, 2013

i have 3 different banks so if anyone be watching me they will keep busy White Bounce

Anything that's on your bank statement they can see. Charges at the liquor store. Charges at the casino. Charges at the state lottery. Charges at the on-line gambling site. Charges at the liquor store. Charges at the adult shop. 

You see what I mean?

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on Apr 17, 2013

Anything that's on your bank statement they can see. Charges at the liquor store. Charges at the casino. Charges at the state lottery. Charges at the on-line gambling site. Charges at the liquor store. Charges at the adult shop. 

You see what I mean?

that's why they don't say that!! ding ding ding

 

you must have a very interesting bank statement Green laugh

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on Apr 17, 2013

that's why they don't say that!! ding ding ding

 

you must have a very interesting bank statement Green laugh

NOT me. Mine just says:

Cash withdraw

Cash withdraw

Cash withdraw

Cash withdraw

Cash withdraw

Cash withdraw

Cash withdraw

Cash withdraw

Cash withdraw.

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