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Georgia Looks Forward to North Carolina Lottery

GEORGIA – As reported by the South Carolina State: "Somewhere in Georgia, lottery officials have got to be smiling as North Carolina inches closer to starting a lottery. Now, it's South Carolina's turn to squirm.

"Just a few years ago, South Carolina politicians said a Palmetto State lottery would siphon away up to $112 million from Georgia's lottery.

"But those predictions never came to pass.

"Instead, Georgia has enjoyed a string of record-setting years since South Carolina began selling lottery tickets in 2002.

"…Georgia officials won't say what their strategy was in fending off the threat South Carolina's lottery posed.

"Spokeswoman Tandi Reddick said the Georgia Lottery's goal was to 'simply try and provide fun and entertaining games.'

"But [South Carolina lottery director Ernie Passailaigue] says it's no secret how Georgia staved off South Carolina — by using its $20 million advertising budget, which is almost three times as large as the amount the S.C. lottery spends on ads.

"Advertising is crucial, lottery officials say. They estimate every $1 spent on advertising could translate into as much as $140 in sales.

"…Another reason Georgia has not suffered from the creation of the S.C. lottery is that some Palmetto State residents play the numbers in both states…"

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