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States Without Lotteries (Page 1 of 2)
States Without Lotteries
What 8 States Are Without Lotteries and Why?
Despite the fact that lotteries provide a great source of government revenue for state programs, especially education, and a great amount of fun, there are 8 states that currently do not have state lotteries. The states that currently do not have lotteries are: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. It is evident why most of these states continue to resist implementing a state lottery. For example, in Alabama, Mississippi and Utah, there is considerable religious opposition to all gambling. In Nevada, the casino industry opposes the lottery because of the competition it would create. Both Alaska and Hawaii are isolated from other states and therefore need not worry about losing money to nearby states. Lottery supporters in all eight of these states remain hopeful that a state lottery will eventually be put into place. If this happens, these 8 states could not only create their own exciting lotteries, but also participate in multi-state games such as Powerball and Mega Millions.
Alabama
In 1999, a constitutional amendment to allow a State Lottery was defeated in the state of Alabama. Approximately 54% of voters opposed the lottery referendum while 46%, supported it. The total voter turnout was estimated at 50%. There is a strong Christian argument against instating the lottery in the state of Alabama. There has been little talk since 1999 about another state lottery proposal.
Alaska
In 2003 there was a lot of buzz about gambling proposals in the state of Alaska. However, unlike Alabama, Alaska never brought a state lottery proposal to ballot. There has been little talk lately of implementing a state lottery in Alaska.
Arkansas
There is much talk in Arkansas about instating a state lottery. In fact, on April 13th, 2008 Lt. Gov. Bill Halter announced that enough signatures had been collected to put a lottery proposal on the Nov. 4 ballot. The state lottery proposal in Arkansas is described as the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery. The proceeds of the lottery would be used to fund scholarships and grants to citizens of Arkansas who are enrolled in public and private nonprofit colleges and universities located within the State. In 1996 and 2000, Arkansas voters rejected state lotteries whose proposals also included provisions for casinos. It seems the Arkansas citizens will get another chance to vote on an Arkansas state lottery at the end of this year.
Hawaii
Hawaii also does not have a state lottery. Like Alaska, there has been little talk lately in Hawaii about instating a state lottery. There are few arguments for or against a state lottery in Hawaii. Politicians’ main argument against a state lottery centers around the idea that it is unnecessary and is not needed for the education system to thrive.
Mississippi
While Mississippi does have casinos, it does not have a state lottery. In fact, proposals for a state lottery tend to be defeated in Mississippi because they would take away from casino profit. In 1990 a proposal for a state lottery was defeated in Mississippi. Like Alaska and Hawaii, there is little talk lately about the prospect of a state lottery in Mississippi.
Playing the Minnesota Lottery
Playing the Minnesota Lottery
If you are in need of a good pick-me-up, nothing can beat the thrill of scratching off a Minnesota lottery ticket, especially if it happens to be a winner. The Minnesota state lottery has much to offer in the way of instant win games and also weekly and daily drawing games. From Powerball to Hot Lotto and Northstar Cash, you can’t go wrong with the Minnesota lottery.
If you like the thrill of watching a televised drawing and you enjoy picking out your lucky lottery numbers, then Hot Lotto just might be the game for you. The jackpot for the game starts at one million dollars, and the prize money is rolled over each time no one wins the drawing. The game involves picking five numbers between one and thirty-nine and one additional number called the HOT ball. This number must fall between one and nineteen. The Hot Lotto game is played among several different states, including Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, West Virginia and South Dakota in addition to in Minnesota. Your odds for winning any prize in this Minnesota lottery game are one in sixteen. However, if you will only be happy with the jackpot, your odds stack up to be a bit more grim, at one in eleven million.
However, there is more to the Minnesota state lottery than meets the eye. Other than that going to prize money, the majority of the proceeds from the Minnesota lottery go toward a state environmental trust fund that supports national resources, gaming and fishing and other environmental issues. This makes purchasing a lottery ticket worth a lot more than just a dollar, even if you do not ever win a penny. Every time you purchase a Minnesota lottery ticket, you can rest assured that your money is going to a good cause, and who knows? You just might end up winning something after all.
While the Minnesota lottery offers decent odds you may want to consider playing other state lotteries. There are several reputable websites offering online lottery ticket sales. Minnesota is one of several Powerball states that have chosen to add the popular Mega Millions lottery to its lotto lineup. Due to federal laws and regulations the Minnesota lottery does not allow players to buy online lottery tickets. Once federal regulations are clarified many lottery experts believe it will only be a matter of time before most state lotteries allow players to buy lotto tickets online.