Senate scratches some lottery games

The Minnesota Senate passed a bill Thursday that would ban lottery sales at gas pumps, ATMs and on the Internet. The vote was an overwhelming 56-8.

The bill directs the Minnesota Lottery to stop marketing and selling the new games.

Sen. Roger Chamberlain, R-Lino Lakes, says the lottery director should have had permission from the Legislature before starting the games.

“The lottery has not learned its lesson,” Chamberlain said. “They usurped our authority. They expanded gaming, and it does not deserve an extension.”

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Some senators acknowledged that lottery officials overstepped their authority but encouraged the Senate to let the games continue until contracts with vendors expire in 2018.

“What kind of message does this send to vendors who in good faith go into a contract with the state and then find the Legislature throwing the contract out?” Pappas asked. “Are they going to hesitate to want to engage into a contract with the state?”

Pappas’ amendment was defeated.

The House is poised to pass similar legislation.

Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed a similar bill last year. He threatened another veto back in February but softened his stance this week.