Stopping Minnesota E-Lotto Tickets Wouldn’t Come Cheap

ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota lawmakers are being told they'll have to come up with millions of dollars if they want to shut down the sales of electronic lottery tickets.

The potential $8 million cost is attributable to lost sales and vendor contracts that would be breached if the Legislature prohibits the Minnesota Lottery from continuing with online games. Lottery officials caused a backlash with the recent launch of virtual scratch-off tickets, which lawmakers criticized for taking place without their permission.

The online scratch-off sales have been occurring since February. The lottery has been selling subscription-based Internet tickets for draw games for much longer.

Top lawmakers in the House and Senate are leading the push to bar future online sales and games at gas pump terminals.