Lottery ban bill on its way to Gov. Dayton, again
For the second year in a row, legislation banning the Minnesota Lottery from offering its games online, at gas pumps and at ATMs is on its way to DFL Gov. Mark Dayton.
Dayton vetoed the same measure last year. It’s not clear if he’ll do it again. The Minnesota House passed the bill Thursday by a lopsided vote of 122-6.
Rep. Tim Sanders, R-Blaine, said lottery officials should have voluntarily stopped those expanded gambling options when lawmakers first raised concerns and asked for specific authorization.
“I wish that the lottery on their own had said, ‘okay, we hear the Legislature,’” Sanders said. “That didn’t happen. So unfortunately we’re back here today to stand up for separation of powers, to stand up for the Minnesota House of Representatives, which I am very proud to do to say that we are the ones that make the laws in this state.”
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The Senate also passed the bill by a wide margin.
Early this session, Dayton was highly critical of the bill and threatened a repeat veto. Recently, he said he was not sure what he would do this time.
Update:
Dayton's office said late Thursday that the governor will allow the bill to become law without his signature.