The Arkansas Lottery Commission recently voted 7-1 to begin implementing monitor-style games that let players watch drawings every four minutes. Lottery Director Bishop Woosley said the monitor games can be installed in restaurants and taverns, where patrons can play for 20-30 minutes, and at retail outlets. Woosley said about one-third of Arkansas residents do not play the lottery, and the monitor games could attract people who would not buy lottery tickets at gas stations.
The move is in response to declining lottery revenues, which dropped 12. 2 percent, or $7.7 million, for the fiscal year ending June 30. In February, commissioners revised the lottery budget from a projected $90.2 million to $82.7 million for scholarships. Woosley said ticket sales are down because the lottery has been in operation for five years. However, revenues recently have met the lowered projections. Commissioner Mark Scott said the monitor games will help the lottery “stay relevant” among players.
The lottery commission also agreed to lift a ban on advertising with state universities. Woosley said the commission hopes to work out an arrangement with the University of Arkansas for Razorback-themed instant ticket games. He noted advertising during athletic events would point out that the lottery funds college scholarships.
