In a move that could possibly bring in millions in revenue to the cash strapped state, Illinois intends taking its lottery online within a couple of months. Gambling opponents are, however, very much against this move.
Up to 500,000 more players are expected to be attracted to games such as the Mega Moolah with an online lottery. The Mega Moolah jackpot exceeds over $100 million approximately 40 times a year and this could result in great rewards for the state. Illinois can earn 42c for each Mega Moolah ticket sold and gets 25c on every instant ticket sold.
In 2009 State lawmakers approved a massive road and bridge construction program that included the possibility of selling lottery tickets online in order to help pay for it. However, they were waiting for the go-ahead from the federal government which came through shortly before Christmas.
If Illinois commences with the sale of online tickets soon, it would be the first state to do so.
A pilot program that will run for three or four years will begin in March or April of this year and may include Powerball ticket sales. Only residents of Illinois over the age of 18 will be permitted to buy tickets. These tickets can be purchased with a credit card.
Those wishing to purchase tickets at retail stores or gas stations will be required to pay for them in cash.
Jerry Prosapio, co-founder of the group Gambling Exposed revealed that they are very worried about an online lottery as any new form of legalized gambling has brought more addiction and with the addiction it brings additional bankruptcies and crime.
