Chicago Sun-Times: Plan could lead to selling lottery tickets on the Web

[Tweed]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-lott14.html

"SPRINGFIELD -- Imagine being able to forgo a trip to the convenience store when the Mega Millions lottery game prize hits nine digits and buy your ticket for that drawing from the computer in your den.

No state sells lottery tickets over the Internet now. But a leading Senate Democrat and group of influential backers are urging Gov. Blagojevich's administration to embrace the concept, which could generate as much as $100 million annually for the state's cash-starved public school system.

"I think it's a great idea," said state Sen. John Cullerton (D-Chicago), who has introduced legislation authorizing a pilot study of an Internet-based lottery system. "I just wonder why we are passing up an opportunity to get money into the common school fund. It's not an expansion of gambling. It's legal, and it would appeal to wealthier patrons."

The group that approached Cullerton with the idea is led by Mark Doyle, a former aide to President Bill Clinton and member of Blagojevich's transition team. Also included are Dr. Steven DeAngelis, who is Mayor Daley's physician and first hatched the idea, and Chicago restaurateur Phil Stefani, who has donated more than $43,000 to Illinois politicians, including the governor and Cullerton."

Oh yeah, they quoted my State Senator Cullerton. I'm not sure why this lottery on the web thing hasn't come up before. I guess because of hacking and the potential problem of fake tickets, but this makes sense.

[DrGonzoLives]

1. Hmmm

Seems like a good idea on the surface, but this is just begging for all kinds of problems, gambling addicts and age restrictions among them.

[Tweed]

2. Yeah, didn't think about age restrictions

Someone could just use their parent's credit card for starters.