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Eastern Time (GMT-5:00) | Wyoming lottery bill advances to Senate floor Wyoming: Wyoming lottery bill advances to Senate floor53 Rating:Updated, 8:05 pm CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A Senate committee has endorsed a bill that would bring the lottery to Wyoming. The Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee voted 3-2 Tuesday in support of House Bill 77. The bill, which has already passed the House, goes to the Senate floor for debate. No one is quite sure about its odds of passing. The proposal allows the state to offer a state lottery or join a multi-state lottery, such as the Powerball. Proceeds would go to local cities, towns and counties, but the amount of money that would be raised isn't clear. Proponents say Wyoming residents are spending a lot of money buying lottery tickets in other states that have lotteries. Opponents say lotteries are a form of gambling and tax that would most hurt the poorest citizens who play the game. Only seven states remain without such prize drawings. Wyoming and Mississippi are the only states without lotteries where lawmakers are considering legislation this year that would change that, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. For Wyoming, just getting the lottery bill out of the initial chamber was an achievement. "I believe it's the first time it's been out of the House since it was introduced in the late 1980s," said Rep. David Zwonitzer, R-Cheyenne and the main sponsor of the bill. "It's gone down by three or four votes every session. So it's always been close." Zwonitzer said the bill's success so far this session is an indication of the House membership changing in last year's election. "We elect about a third of the House new every session, so as you get new members in you never know when you're going to hit that one that's going to push it over," he said. Sen. Bruce Burns, R-Sheridan and chairman of the Senate panel that endorsed the bill, said he's not sure how the proposal will fare in the Senate since it's never been debated there before. "I've always been of the thought that it had a better chance in the Senate than it did in the House," Burns said. "I don't know." AP We'd love to see your comments here! Register for a FREE membership — it takes just a few moments — and you'll be able to post comments here and on any of our forums. If you're already a member, you can Log In to post a comment. 19 comments. Last comment 3 months ago by . United States Member #128383 May 22, 2012 158 Posts Offline | | Posted: February 12, 2013, 7:45 pm - IP Logged | |
Hope the bill passes and Wyoming gets a lottery. It will then be Alabama's turn. The lottery is NOT a tax on the poor. By calling it a tax, you are calling it mandatory, which is what taxes are. But the lottery is NOT mandatory, therefore calling it a tax highly inaccurate. | | |
United States
Member #111467
May 25, 2011
6323 Posts
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| | Posted: February 12, 2013, 7:47 pm - IP Logged | |
People from Wyoming need the lottery, right now all there is to do is ride horses and brand cattle.  | | |
Housekeeper MICHIGAN United States Member #82269 October 28, 2009 13141 Posts Offline | | Posted: February 12, 2013, 7:50 pm - IP Logged | |
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Connecticut United States Member #62108 May 29, 2008 16631 Posts Offline | | Posted: February 12, 2013, 7:50 pm - IP Logged | |
My favorite line... Opponents say lotteries are a form of gambling and tax that would most hurt the poorest citizens who play the game. When will folks stop thinking for the masses and let the idea of personal responsibility run its course? Are people even allowed to think for themselves anymore? Apparently the poor have no problem buying cars, cell phones ,and trendy clothing,.I have a hard time believing buying a scratch ticket will break them. "...Life is not a matter of holding good cards,but sometimes playing a poor hand well... 'Fortune Cookie wisdom' | | |
San Diego United States Member #132754 September 11, 2012 29 Posts Offline | | Posted: February 12, 2013, 7:55 pm - IP Logged | |
Dumbass politicians, when people want something, they will get it someway or other. Over 21 rule didn't prevent teenagers getting alcohol. Better get a percentage of the lottery revenue or else they goto another state. | | |
Bay Area/ California United States Member #136486 December 12, 2012 574 Posts Offline | | Posted: February 13, 2013, 1:08 am - IP Logged | |
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Ridge Runner - Oracle of the Appalachians Way back up in them dadgum hills, son! United States Member #74415 April 28, 2009 12453 Posts Offline | | Posted: February 13, 2013, 2:12 am - IP Logged | |
It would be funny if Dick Cheney won the Powerball on the first play in Wyoming. Libs all over the country would be choking on their tofu and alfalfa sprouts. I'd LMAO. | | |
Oklahoma United States Member #82920 November 12, 2009 3461 Posts Offline | | Posted: February 13, 2013, 8:54 am - IP Logged | |
Come on Wyoming you can do it...... Win BIG everyone..... I Love Pink & Green....1908 | | |
United States Member #392 June 8, 2002 11549 Posts Online | | Posted: February 13, 2013, 2:22 pm - IP Logged | |
Dumbass politicians, when people want something, they will get it someway or other. Over 21 rule didn't prevent teenagers getting alcohol. Better get a percentage of the lottery revenue or else they goto another state. You and Jonnybgood07 seem to have a rational and acceptable comment worthy of a response. I applauded you both for your comments. Thank you. > Michael "Don't be a Dummy, Make 'Dat Money" | | |
fayetteville, nc United States Member #130823 July 25, 2012 1111 Posts Offline | | Posted: February 13, 2013, 3:02 pm - IP Logged | |
My favorite line... Opponents say lotteries are a form of gambling and tax that would most hurt the poorest citizens who play the game. When will folks stop thinking for the masses and let the idea of personal responsibility run its course? Are people even allowed to think for themselves anymore? Apparently the poor have no problem buying cars, cell phones ,and trendy clothing,.I have a hard time believing buying a scratch ticket will break them. Exactly the only time politicians care about the poor is when an opportunity for them not to be poor arises Can we Please keep all responses relevant to original post... | | |
fayetteville, nc United States Member #130823 July 25, 2012 1111 Posts Offline | | Posted: February 13, 2013, 3:03 pm - IP Logged | |
It would be funny if Dick Cheney won the Powerball on the first play in Wyoming. Libs all over the country would be choking on their tofu and alfalfa sprouts. I'd LMAO. LOL I wonder if he would have yet another heart attack Can we Please keep all responses relevant to original post... | | |
5+1 Winner Arizona United States Member #116287 September 7, 2011 14810 Posts Offline | | Posted: February 13, 2013, 5:28 pm - IP Logged | |
Exactly the only time politicians care about the poor is when an opportunity for them not to be poor arises  Its the dependent underclass that keeps the gravy train rolling.
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United States Member #124626 March 16, 2012 1423 Posts Offline | | Posted: February 13, 2013, 6:00 pm - IP Logged | |
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Ridge Runner - Oracle of the Appalachians Way back up in them dadgum hills, son! United States Member #74415 April 28, 2009 12453 Posts Offline | | Posted: February 13, 2013, 10:08 pm - IP Logged | |
LOL I wonder if he would have yet another heart attack Never thought of that... They should take some welfare scammer's heart and give it to him then. You know, do a switcheroo while the guy's in there for a checkup or something. And nobody'll be the wiser. | | |
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