A Rhode Island lawmaker, Rep. Charlene Lima, has introduced a bill that would allow the state lottery to offer online “scratch tickets.” The state is also considering legalizing sports bet if the federal ban is lifted. Lima’s bill would complement that effort.
State lottery officials hope to appeal to a younger generation with the online products, and to turn around a downward trend in lottery sales. The bill, said Lima, is similar to one passed in neighboring New Hampshire last year. So far, five states have legalized the sale of online lottery tickets.
Lima’s bill would require an amendment to the state constitution, which currently limits all forms of gaming to the two casinos that operate in the state. That would require a vote of the people. Half of the money generated by the online “scratchers” would be earmarked for the state pension fund.
