The Kansas House recently voted 100-25 in favor of a measure that would allow self-service lottery dispensers, adding approximately million more in annual lottery tickets sales. The bill now will move to the state Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee.
Kansas Lottery spokeswoman Sally Lunsford said the bill was designed to raise revenue and lower labor costs for retailers. She added Colorado and Missouri have seen a 50 percent rise in revenue since they installed the lottery vending machines. Missouri Lottery Communications Manager Susan Goedde said monthly sales have increased about 12 percent since 300 machines were installed in 2015.
Kansas state Rep. Stephanie Clayton, who voted for the bill, said the additional revenue is needed. “We desperately need it. I’m vice chair of social services budget, and I can tell you first-hand how dire that situation is,” she said. State Rep. John Carmichael opposed the measure because he does not support state-sponsored gambling and also he expressed concern that the self-service dispensers could make it easier for minors to gamble. “The state should not be involved in promoting gambling, especially when the state takes a higher percentage of the handle, the wagers, the bets, than even a bookmaker on the street,” Carmichael said.
