New budget problem: Lottery revenue declines

Cash-strapped Floridians are even gambling less and that means millions of dollars in lost revenue for public schools.

A new state economic forecast predicts $159-million less in lottery proceeds over the next two years.

That complicates matters for lawmakers who already are grappling with months of unexpectedly lower tax revenue collections. School spending, already expected to drop for the first time in decades, might have to be cut even more.

"Pressure is being placed on the discretionary spending dollar of consumers in the current economic environment with weak disposable income growth and high and increasing gasoline prices,'' the new forecast states. "Additionally, the impact of game enhancements is being reduced due to the fact that multiple changes were introduced at approximately the same time, in the current unfavorable economic environment.''

The new revenue forecast also found that the lottery’s new $30 game that began in January was offset by reduced sales of existing $20 tickets.

"The news just gets better and better, huh?'' said a wry Rep. Ray Sansom, R-Destin, the House budget chairman.

Comments

And that, friends, is why it's foolish to depend in any way on gambling revenues to offset budget shortfalls.

But don't tell the Governor and the Democratic Party that; it simply makes too much sense.

[Joe]

"don't tell the Governor and the Democratic Party" the gov is a rebublican...and republicans pretty much call the shots in fl.. im not saying dems would be better..just saying..your comment sux.

[Doug]

Given the odds of winning the lottery, you might just as well roll down your window while zipping down the interstate, and throw out a few dollars. It has the same effect as buying a lottery ticket. Your money is G O N E forever!

The odds are just too great. Lotto was changed from 49 to 53 numbers (jeb said people wanted to win more money). Now,you have the opportunity to spend more money on a losing ticket. Most people just want to win SOMETHING, or at least feel they have chance. I don't know anyone that would have a problem winning (or even sharing) 3 million dollars.

[Lee Ann]

SELL RAFFLE TICKETS FOR THE FORECLOSED HOMES.

NO, GIVE AWAY LOTTO TICKETS WITH EACH FORECLOSED HOME BOUGHT.

actually 5:48, JEB! just wanted the vendors to win more money.

[terminator]

Joe,
you are an idiot:
1. Charlie Crist is the biggest RINO in state government
2. Geller and his gambling industry cronies are the ones behind the proposed expansion of pari-mutual gambling all over the state of Florida

Poetic justice here.

First Chuck pumped up the Seminole deal to be Florida's fiscal savior and of course current bills moving in the legislature would expand the number of machines, hours of operation, types of games and CUTTING the agreed upon tax rate from two years ago when Broward voters passed the gaming referendum.

Funny how their rosy revenue projections never materialize.

No Joe, you suck and 5:00 was spot on.

Bob Martinez should be in jail over the lotto scam he pulled on Floirduuuh!

There new slogan should be:

Times are tough. One Lotto ticket could change it all.

[John Donson]

No, the slogan should be "Play lotto or else we'll tax you more!"
Or, "Play Lotto! At least you get something in return for your money"
Or, "Play Lotto! It's the new white meat!"
Or, "Play Lotto so you don't have to gamble with the Indians"
Or, "Play Lotto! It's like tithing at church but it's for the govt"
Or "Play Lotto! We can't win if you don't pay - er- play!"

[debbie]

Priceless. All of it. 5:00 and terminator - RIGHT ON!!!

[taxedToDeath]

"Play lotto or else we'll tax you more!"

an instant classic John :)

Play Lotto!... it's America's New Economy!

[John Donson]

Just pay everybody in scratch offs and do away with the Dollar.

Can I pay my Propert Insurance in losing scratch offs?

This is not a problem. Cut out the taxpayer funded benefits, particularly education, for illegal aliens and everything will balance out just fine. Actually, we will get a bonus, wages for American Citizens will rise.

Will they please stop saying they don't want to expand gaming while at the same time only making games with the worst odds legal. The lottery's odds are out of this worls as are slots. If we're going to allow gambling like we already do, lets make blackjack and craps legal. People can actually learn how to play and get better at the games unlike the current random chance crap they've have legalized

11:20

Good thought, but in areas like healthcare it won't work as well as you'd hope. The illegals will just use emergency rooms as their primary care centers and may not pay at all. Those costs are then cost shifted to our health insurance and overall health care costs. Its already a major problem.

Which just goes back to the same old argument - ILLEGAL is ILLEGAL. Out you go and then apply legally. We are tired of paying for it.

Yes, I know, people think they are too good to take the jobs that the illegals will do. Ok, then as a condition of you receiving your government handout, you are REQUIRED to perform this particular job. Otherwise, SURPRISE, NO HANDOUT!!!

PROBLEM SOLVED!!!!

Gas Price Highy = Less Drivy = Less Trippy = No ticky

Coldwell Banker purchased a house down the street just recently and the began to fix it up. Today I walk by and see the roof being replaced, none of the trucks have company names, there were no posted permits and no one spoke English.

Maybe if the lotto added illegals to their winnings more people would play?