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Michigan Lottery Chief Concerned Over Gambling Amendment

LANSING, Michigan – As reported by the Associated Press: "…The Club Keno and Pull Tab games, introduced last October, will generate an extra $60 million for the state's school aid fund this year. By creating new games and making other changes, the lottery expects to set an all-time sales record.

"But Lottery Commissioner Gary Peters is worried.

"A proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot, he says, would hurt state lottery revenue and decrease dollars for public education. In the past year, the lottery put $586 million in profit into the school aid fund, accounting for 5 percent of the fund's revenue.

"The measure would require voters to give their OK before any new gambling could begin in Michigan -- except at American Indian casinos and three Detroit casinos. A vote also would be needed if the lottery starts any new game using table games or player-operated mechanical or electronic devices after Jan. 1, 2004.

"…Peters says the popularity of most lottery games, except stalwarts such as Daily 3 and Mega Millions, wanes over time. The lottery must offer creative new games to compete with the state's 20 casinos, he says…"

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