5 day forecast
A growing Pa. Lottery would benefit seniors
Share with others:
In response to the recent editorial ("Debatable Odds: Must A Privatized Lottery Offer Video Gambling?" Nov. 26) sensationalizing Keno as a "vast expansion of gambling," I'd like to set the record straight.
The goal of exploring private management for the Pennsylvania Lottery was to learn from the industry how best to prudently increase lottery revenues. Industry experts participating in the procurement process unanimously demonstrated that incorporating monitor-based games like Keno into the Pennsylvania Lottery's portfolio is one of the most effective ways to responsibly grow revenues to benefit older Pennsylvanians. Fourteen other U.S. lotteries already offer monitor-based games.
Keno-like games are nothing more than traditional terminal-based games -- much like the Pennsylvania Lottery's old Super 7 game -- drawn more frequently than once or twice a day.
Keno would allow the Lottery to expand its player base and grow its retail network gradually over a few years, in order to grow lottery profits for a dramatically growing population of Pennsylvania seniors who benefit from lottery-funded programs.
Regardless of whether a private management agreement is executed, responsible gaming and limited expansion will remain priorities for the commonwealth.
DAN MEUSER
Secretary of Revenue
Harrisburg
First Published December 1, 2012 12:00 am
