[Mr_250]

There has been a lot of talk about Keno in CT being used to balance the budget and raise revenue. Do you think it is a good idea to have 1,000 locations which include bars, restaurants and convenience stores?

I don't think it will bring in the money they are hoping. It is estimated to bring in $28 Million. I am not a fan of this type of "gimmick" to raise money.

Thoughts?

[Stylo]

Another bandaid to the state budget. They're all just tactics to extract money from the residents.

[Comp625]

Doesn't neighboring Massachusetts have "Keno-to-go"? If so, can anyone comment about its successes and/or failures and whether it has helped MA's budget?

Frankly, in my view, it is no different than having CT Lottery stations situated in supermarkets, gas stations, etc. all across the state. If someone wants to gamble, there is ample opportunity at every corner. If anything, I can see people frequenting gas stations more to satiate gambling habits, which would indirectly help to increase ancillary sales and tax revenue through gas station walk-in purchases.

[Mr_250]

Originally Posted by Comp625

Doesn't neighboring Massachusetts have "Keno-to-go"? If so, can anyone comment about its successes and/or failures and whether it has helped MA's budget?

Frankly, in my view, it is no different than having CT Lottery stations situated in supermarkets, gas stations, etc. all across the state. If someone wants to gamble, there is ample opportunity at every corner. If anything, I can see people frequenting gas stations more to satiate gambling habits, which would indirectly help to increase ancillary sales and tax revenue through gas station walk-in purchases.

I did some quick research and found that FY 2011 Mass 'Keno-to-Go' brought in $768M. Maybe I am wrong about how much this game will bring in to the State.

Losing The Lotto: How Much Would Having Keno Help NH’s Revenues? | StateImpact New Hampshire

I agree that it will bring in people into gas stations and those people are more apt to buy products. That is a positive side note.

Maybe the State is onto something...Still surprised at the shear amount of money Keno has amassed in Mass.

[Comp625]

Gambling is a powerful influencer when it comes to socio-economics. On a larger scale, that is why cities like Springfield, MA (and previously Bridgeport, CT) entertain bids to have gambling resorts built. The downside is that not only do ethical questions arise (e.g. is it right for your State to feed on its constituents' negative and addictive habits?), but underground crime can also introduce a slew of other problems (e.g. fixed betting, money laundering, violent crimes, etc.).

[FILF]

This is horrible news for those of us that just want to go into a gas station and purchase a soda or a coffee, etc... I'm tired of having to wait while these gambling idiots blow their social security checks on scratch offs and then having to choose their lotto numbers because a quick pick ticket isn't good enough.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by FILF

This is horrible news for those of us that just want to go into a gas station and purchase a soda or a coffee, etc... I'm tired of having to wait while these gambling idiots blow their social security checks on scratch offs and then having to choose their lotto numbers because a quick pick ticket isn't good enough.

They also like to scratch their tickets on whatever counter is available in the store. I had one fool a couple months ago that was impeding my ability to fix my coffee. A little coffee spill on his tickets was necessitated.

[FILF]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

They also like to scratch their tickets on whatever counter is available in the store. I had one fool a couple months ago that was impeding my ability to fix my coffee. A little coffee spill on his tickets was necessitated.

I'm with ya, these gambling fanatics are really annoying. Now just imagine them having to pick numbers 1-80 twenty times. I think I just found a new business opportunity...self checkout for quickie-marts!

[dazzleman]

It's an awful idea. Gambling revenues are fools' gold.

[retiree2011]

Originally Posted by FILF

I'm with ya, these gambling fanatics are really annoying. Now just imagine them having to pick numbers 1-80 twenty times. I think I just found a new business opportunity...self checkout for quickie-marts!

A couple of weeks ago I was in a store in the lottery line with a $1 bill in my hand, so anyone could tell I was only going to buy one ticket; in front of me was a very elderly man who was having trouble standing. A middle-aged women cut in front of us and rattled off number after number for Play 3 and Play 4, doing it totally from memory. She spent close to $30, then was deliberating which scratch-off tickets to buy. When she finally had all her tickets, she stood at the counter and looked at every ticket to make sure the numbers were correct. She had no consideration that by then there were 5 or 6 people in line and a bunch of people at the other end of the service desk for service that did not involve lottery (this was a supermarket) and she was tying up the sole employee at the desk. I sincerely hoped she had no winners that day.