Dayton: Campaign Donations Behind Online Lottery Ban Push

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton says outside spending from gambling groups is influencing a push to ban online lottery sales in Minnesota.

Lawmakers have fast-tracked a bill to ban lottery sales online, at the gas pump and at ATMs.

They argue gambling shouldn't be so convenient and say the lottery has expanded without legislative approval.

The Democratic governor vetoed a similar bill last year and says he'll do it again if one hits his desk. Dayton says lawmakers are prioritizing a ban because outside gambling groups helped fund their campaigns.

The lottery generated about $127 million for public programs like environmental protection and research last year.