Controversial CD-ROM gambling game introduced at malls

Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2000 | 10:59 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Iowa Lottery's new CD-ROM game "Treasure Tower" has collected $115,000 in sales in less than three weeks.

Sales started in Cedar Rapids on Oct. 13 and the game has gradually been introduced with nine demonstrations at shopping malls around Iowa. By Friday, all 2,200 lottery retailers will be selling the game.

The CD-ROM part of the game accompanies an instant-win scratch ticket. An introductory package, at a cost of $12, features the CD and three tickets. Prizes range from $4 to $10,000.

The Iowa Lottery is the first to offer an instant-ticket lottery game that can be played on a home computer. Critics say it represents an expansion of gambling in Iowa and contend that it is appealing to teenagers, who are to young to play the lottery.

Iowa Lottery spokeswoman Mary Neubauer said lottery employees have been emphasizing a parental control feature when they demonstrate the game.

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