Las Vegas Sun

April 26, 2024

Arizona Senate backs public vote on gambling

PHOENIX -- The Senate voted 18-11 Wednesday to ask voters to decide whether to continue the 21-year-old Arizona Lottery past its scheduled termination on Jan. 1, 2004.

Already passed by the House, the measure, a resolution that would go on the November ballot, now returns for consideration of a change made by the Senate.

The House version would keep the lottery alive until 2012 if voters approve continuation. The Senate version would not set a limit on continuation.

Gov. Jane Hull has asked for continuation of the lottery, calling it a significant revenue source for the state. Lottery profits flow to the state's general fund and to special funds for environmental projects, local transportation and economic development.

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