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."
Hope the bill passes and Wyoming gets a lottery. It will then be Alabama's turn.
People from Wyoming need the lottery, right now all there is to do is ride horses and brand cattle.
Good luck Wyoming
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.
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.
The Domino affect is in motion. Alabama,Alaska, Mississippi, Hawaii, Utah will sooner or later get caught in the lottery avalanche.
Out here in California we told the lottery is all about SCHOOLS and that is the hook they play. Who on this green earth does not want to help the kids huh?
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.
Come on Wyoming you can do it......
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
Exactly the only time politicians care about the poor is when an opportunity for them not to be poor arises
LOL I wonder if he would have yet another heart attack
Its the dependent underclass that keeps the gravy train rolling.
Go Wyoming!
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.
I am hoping that the Congress will pass this bill so that Wyoming may also experience how it is to be excited by lottery winnings.
I agree, people need to STOP trying to run others peoples lives, and stop voting for people who are trying to take our rights away.
Roger that.
I heard if Dick Cheney wins he's going to open up a pheasant hunting guide service.
Imagine, just you and Dick Cheney in the wilderness with your shotguns.