Alaska lottery legalisation gets near

A bill has arrived in the Alaska Legislature as lawmakers push to get the lottery up and running in the northwestern state.

US.- In order to seek funding options, most jurisdictions turn to the gaming industry. That’s why Governor Mike Dunleavy is pushing to get Alaska its own lottery.

The top state official is seeking greater fiscal stability in Alaska and thinks a lottery would serve the purpose. According to local estimates, it could generate up to US$10 million a year only with draw games. Should more options be added, projections would go even higher.

While some lawmakers have stated their support for the bill, others weren’t so optimistic.

“It still doesn’t solve Alaska’s fundamental fiscal problem,” Juneau Democratic Sen Jesse Kiehl said. He had already voiced his concern about this option, as he aims to other segments.

Previous debate

“I have grave concerns,” Sen. Kiehl had also stated. “Lotteries almost exclusively make their funding from the lowest-income people.”

“Forty-five states have lotteries in place,” the governor still said. “It’s past time for Alaskans visitors to have the option to individually contribute to fixing Alaska’s fiscal issue.”

While Sen. Steve Thompson celebrated the idea of a new state lottery in Alaska, others show concern.