Story Published:
Nov 22, 2011 at 5:14 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Nov 22, 2011 at 5:14 PM CDT
There's a convenience store that I frequent about every day to buy a paper and sometimes a large coffee. I'm in there so much that I know the clerks by name and they in turn know me. I admit that I have been known to buy a Powerball or Megamillions lottery when the jackpot gets really high. But, I absolutely don't go in on a daily basis to purchase a fist full of scratch off tickets. I have seen some people do just that. The clerks tell me that it's the same people who do that everyday.
There's one clerk who obviously has a conscience, he does his job and takes their money but has confided in me that these obviously addicted people really bother him. He wonders if perhaps children are being neglected so they can buy these lottery tickets. I wonder the same thing. Another thing that bothers me is the addict that who buys multiple tickets and stands at the register to scratch off his ticket while people stand in line and accomodate these inconsiderate people. I have seen customers put items on the counter and leave rather than wait after tossing a few choice words their way.
Now, the lottery isn't keeping up. Out go for scholarships and other legislative mandates is exceeding input. The money will run out by 2024 if balance isn't achieved. But the lottery sold nearly $1.2 billion in the latest fiscal year. The soft economic times may be the reason. It's sad to see people who can least afford it be addicted to lottery tickets. The chance of winning are astronomical against you. I'm referring to those who are addicted to gambling. The tickets do have a number for those who might call. I wonder how many have called? They say play responsibily yet few do.
Since 2004, the lottery has transferred more than $2 billion into education funds. It has gross sales of $7.8 billion and paid out almost $4.7 billion in prizes. But the state is looking at a $22 million shortfall in scholarship money that the lottery was established for. An increase in ticket sales projected to cover that shortfall. The alternative is to cut scholarship money. The legislature wants to sell tickets in big box stores and online. The Tennessee Lottery recently added a Facebook page. The Legislature would have to amend the Lottery Bill to make online sales legal. People want to play via their Smart Phone.
Addicts...step up, your game awaits!
