Minnesota Lottery’s e-Tickets Unnerve Some Lawmakers

ST. PAUL (AP) - The Minnesota Lottery is gradually expanding its offerings to sell more of its tickets online or at gas pumps and ATMs. Some state legislators are nervous about the push.

Lottery officials testified Wednesday before the House Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee about the broadening sales platforms. Director Ed Van Petten says customers will soon be able to purchase an electronic form of the popular scratch-off tickets. Right now, the Internet-based and gas pump e-ticket sales are confined to Powerball and Mega Millions draw games.

Republican Rep. Greg Davids of Preston argued that the lottery was pushing too far too fast.

Van Petten assured the panel that his agency won't delve into casino-style games. This week, Delaware's lottery will debut online slots, roulette and blackjack games.