Dayton still unsure of lottery curbs

Published 10:50 am Thursday, April 3, 2014

ST. PAUL  — Gov. Mark Dayton said he hasn’t formed a position on a bill that would bar the Minnesota Lottery from selling tickets over the Internet.

Dayton said Wednesday that he will seek input from supporters and opponents as the bill progresses. Some say they believe the lottery has overstepped its authority by launching virtual games, such as instant-play scratch games. A bill has advanced in the state Senate to close off the avenue.

Dayton said the lottery was formed with a key mission of generating for Minnesota environment programs so it should be striving to bring in as much revenue as it can.

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He says he’s not convinced lawmakers should step in. But he says he regards worries about Internet gambling as valid.