Lottery Legislation

Abstract

INTRODUCTION|Nebraska, Thomas Jefferson, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale all have something in common. Lotteries! Dating back to the American Revolution, lotteries were very common. Today the controversy around Nebraska joining the list of states that offer a lottery rages on in the 89th Legislature.|Modern lotteries meant big bucks in the initial states which organized lottery operations. It was a rapid growing trend for states to tap into those sales.|Nebraska leaders, however, are not easily convinced that lotteries are the answer. One argument that may win a vote of confidence for Nebraska's lottery is the economic revenge Iowa is relishing because of Nebraskans buying Iowa lottery tickets. Historically, the Unicameral has tended to be reactive to public opinions and events. Common sense rather than greed dictates a change.|Public acceptance of state lotteries is growing. Not only is the trend of states toward promoting lotteries, but the citizens themselves would rather see a lottery than an increase in taxes or a reduction of state services.|As government run lotteries are being developed in many states, the old image of gambling is changing. Today it is looked upon as a form of entertainment. The success of a state operated lottery depends upon the implementation of a secure, honest, and fair lottery. The funds generated are to supplement, rather than to be used as substitute funds for, the general fund...