Senate Votes to Reel in Minnesota Lottery

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Senate has voted to reel in the Minnesota Lottery and prevent it from offering instant-play games online or selling tickets at gas pumps and ATMs.

The Senate voted 56-5 to approve the gambling regulation bill and send it to the House for final approval.

While the bill could cost the state an estimated $11.7 million, Sen. Carla Nelson, R-Rochester, and other supporters said the lottery overstepped its authority by offering the games without legislative approval.

The bill would pull the plug on electronic versions of scratch-off tickets by Oct. 30. Those games went live in February. Lottery officials had hoped they would provide growth when traditional sales ticket sales are leveling off.

Dayton's spokesman says the governor won't take a position on the bill until he receives it.