During the recession, lottery sales in 17 states hit a record to raise funds

During the recession, lottery sales in 17 states hit a record to raise funds (Alberta Times) At a time when unemployment remains high, foreclosures hit a record, tax revenues plummeted, and deficits widened...

(Alberta Times)

With unemployment remaining high, foreclosures hitting records, tax revenues plummeting, and deficits widening, many state governments are raising funds for education and environmental protection by repackaging lottery tickets and improving the gambling industry. Seventeen states had record lottery sales last fiscal year, boosting state government revenue. For Arizona, which has an annual deficit of $3 billion, improving the lottery is a way for the state to make money. To expand Lotto revenue, the state government held focus group workshops, added new games, printed more attractive tickets, recruited new retailers, increased jackpots, used social media to promote the lottery, and increased advertising costs by 50%. The result of the state's increased stakes: Lotto ticket sales grew 14 percent in 2010, the highest growth in the nation. According to lottery research firm La Fleur’s, in the 12 months ended June 30, Alberta Lotto sales grew 6 per cent to a new record of $584 million. There are lottery businesses in 43 states across the country. In the last fiscal year, traditional lottery games in 26 states grew, with total sales reaching 56 billion yuan, a growth rate of 3%. There were 17 states with record lotto ticket sales. Several states are set to break past records this year. Many state governments intend to expand gambling. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed a new law on November 22, authorizing the opening of three new tourist area casinos. Georgia and Florida are considering following suit. Although the federal government bans online gambling across state lines, Washington, D.C., and other boroughs are considering allowing online gambling within their own jurisdictions. Since 2008, 28 states have considered lottery or gambling-related laws to offset deficits.