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Analysts: Florida should offer Mega Millions, consider selling lottery tickets online

Posted Feb 4, 2010 by Catherine Whittenburg, Tallahassee bureau

Updated Feb 4, 2010 at 12:34 PM

As if the gambling issue wasn’t already hot enough in the Legislature, state analysts say the lottery needs to grow this year.

Lottery revenues, which feed the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund, have leveled off, and economic forecasters aren’t predicting a rebound anytime soon. That’s prompted analysts at the state Office of Program Policy Analysis & Government Accountability to recommend that another multi-state lottery game come to Florida.

The lottery yielded $1.3 billion for the educational fund in 2008-2009, but that figure is expected to decline by $75.6 million by the end of this fiscal year and another $7 million next year. The trust fund pays for, among other things, Bright Futures college scholarships.

Citing the popularity of Powerball in Florida over the last year, OPPAGA suggested that the state jump on another multi-state bandwagon and begin offering Mega Millions. Florida also needs more retailers to offer lottery, the analysts said—its market penetration lags behind lotteries in other states—and should consider authorizing ticket sales via the Internet. Another option: expanding the use of vending machines to sell tickets for online lottery games.

Florida could do more to expand its variety of games, the analysts said, but needs to proceed with caution, since options like Keno and video lottery terminals are considered more addictive and carry more “associated negative social consequences.” They could also interfere with a future gaming compact agreement between the state and the Seminole tribe—should lawmakers ever choose to sign off on one.