Commission set to deploy 100 lottery vending machines in retail outlets as early as next month, amidst stiff public opposition.
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR - Against stiff opposition that promises an ongoing fight, the Arkansas Lottery Commission approved last week the use of 100 lottery vending machines in retail outlets, Bloomberg reports. The machines could be in stores as early as next month.
The Commission amended its earlier rules and will now require customers to swipe a government-issued identification to purchase tickets from the machines as well as ensure that the machines are in sight of a store employee.
Arkansas Family Council director Jerry Cox is one of many who opposed the machines, complaining that the Commission's rules are flawed and that the machines will make gambling accessible to children, despite the ID requirement. He also said store clerks would not be required to watch the machines while they're in use.
"The fight against the lottery vending machines is not over," Cox said.
The final rules must be reviewed by the state's Legislative Lottery Oversight Committee, which meets later this week. Cox said he would appeal to legislators to delay deployment of the machines until the full state Legislature can review the matter when it convenes in January.
However, Senator David Johnson, co-chair of the oversight committee, said the panel will review the rules and take note of any public concern.
"That's really the extent of our review. I have no doubt it will be concluded Thursday," Johnson said.
Of the 44 states and Washington, D.C. that have lotteries, 33 use vending machines, and three others are planning to do so, the majority without requiring age verification.
Arkansas' lottery was approved by voters in 2008.
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